Richie Adubato, an American basketball coach, was married to Carol Begerow, and they have three children: Adam, Scott, and Beth.
Sadly, the head coach passed away at the age of 87 on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Adubato played baseball at East Orange High School and earned an athletic scholarship at Upsala College. Later, he played both baseball and basketball at William Paterson University.
He coached basketball at Our Lady of the Valley High School and the Upsala Vikings men’s basketball team.
On November 8, 1979, Adubato was promoted from assistant to interim head coach of the Detroit Pistons. He had also coached the Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic.
Later, he became the head coach of the New York Liberty in the WNBA in 1999 and led the team to its first Eastern Conference title.
He also coached the Washington Mystics, but left the team on June 1, 2007, reportedly due to his dissatisfaction with the team’s 0–4 start to the season.
The NBA and WNBA mourn the passing of Richie Adubato. Richie’s coaching career spanned four decades, including serving as head coach for the Dallas Mavericks, New York Liberty, and Washington Mystics, as well as interim head coach for the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. He was also a dedicated radio analyst for Magic games for 15 years. We extend our deepest condolences to the Adubato family.
NBA History
Richie Adubato’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss
The Adubato family announces the passing of Richard Adam Adubato at the age of 87.
Affectionately known as Richie, he passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and enduring partnership.
Richie was born on November 23, 1937, in Irvington, New Jersey, and his journey was marked by deep devotion to those he held dear.
His relationship with his wife, Carol Begerow, demonstrated their love and companionship, a partnership marked by joy and mutual support.
They were delighted together, and Carol often shared charming and loving glimpses of their life on social media. It offered others their cherished bond, which served as an inspiration to all.
Hubs wanted 2 go 2 Starbucks wearing this neon electric Nike shirt. I wouldn’t let him… was that mean spirited of me???? Instead, I gave him this pumpkin planter and took his picture….politics b damned, I’m all about the silly🤓😎🤓
Carol Begerow-Adubato
Carol was a woman of remarkable spirit and talent. She was originally from West Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1974.
Moreover, she brought laughter and light to many as she began her career as a stand-up comedian, a vivaciousness she carried throughout her life.
Carol and Richie made their home in Orlando, Florida, where they built a life filled with warmth and family memories. They are proud of their three children: Adam, Scott, and Beth.
Adam followed a path in law, graduating from Florida State University College of Law, and Scott carries a passion for sports as the Head Coach at Vaqueros Pro Basketball Club.
Likewise, Beth attended the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and now contributes to her community through her work at Saint Peter’s University.
The Adubato family is united in grief over this tragic loss but finds comfort in the countless happy memories and the unwavering love that defined Richie’s life.
They will soon announce the details regarding the services at a later date.
On Nov. 6th at SPU, we hosted Ignatian Colleagues from other Jesuit Universities. A few hours later, my father passed away. Let’s remember him as the funny, smart, energetic, genuinely warm human being he always was. ❤
Beth Adubato
Coach Richie Adubato Dreamed About Sports Every Night
The game doesn’t stop when Richie Adubato falls asleep.
According to his new wife, Carol, his passion for sports continued unabated throughout the night.
He dreams about sports every night, most of the time basketball and sometimes baseball.
Carol Begerow-Adubato
This nighttime coaching even gets a little hands-on, and Carol recalled one memorable incident.
One night, I woke up and he was palming my head. I swear this is the truth. I woke him up and asked what he was dreaming about, and he said he was going in for a slam dunk. He was using my head for the basketball!
Carol Begerow-Adubato
Carol added with a laugh that he had to be dreaming, though, because he was too short to dunk.
While Coach Adubato won games by day, his wife got a front-row seat to his dream-team performances by night.
Rest In Peace, Richard Adam Adubato.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Richie Adubato served as the radio color analyst for the Orlando Magic.
- He holds the record for games coached with the Liberty, and ranks second in career wins behind Sandy Brondello.
