USF Mourns the Loss of Bill Henneberry Member of the Famed ’51 Dons
5/6/2020 2:36:00 PM | General, History, Inside Athletics, Provident Credit Union Dons Honor Club
SAN FRANCISCO – The University of San Francisco athletics department mourns the loss of USF Hall of Famer and member of the '51 Dons football team William "Bill" Henneberry, who passed away April 30, 2020 at the age of 89.
"Saying what Bill Henneberry meant to USF is not something that can be easily stated. Simply put, he is the total embodiment of everything we strive to be as an athletics department and an institution," said Director of Athletics Joan McDermott. "His commitment to what is right and what is important has blessed us with a lasting moral compass. Bill lived his daily life doing things because they were right, not because he looked for recognition. He and his teammates, those still with us and those who have passed, are forever united in a bond because they stood up for one another. We will miss Bill dearly, but are comforted by the memories and lessons he has left us."
A native San Franciscan, Henneberry was a blocking back for Sacred Heart High School. In 1948, Dons head coach Joe Kuharich offered Henneberry a tuition-only scholarship and spot on the freshman team.
During the course of his USF career, the all-around exceptional athlete backed up quarterback Ed Brown, defensive halfback Ollie Matson and linebacker Burl Toler. In his most famous game, excellent short passer Henneberry led the Dons to a 26-0 victory over the Pendleton Marines team in 1951, a squad who a week earlier defeated USF 27-17.
In addition to football, Henneberry was student body and Block Club President (varsity letter club). He was also a member of the Marketing Club.
"I first met Bill as a young freshman football player in search of an education," said teammate and lifelong friend Dick Colombini. "Bill was my scout team quarterback who treated me as an equal at all times. As a result of this relationship we became good friends throughout our many years. After football life we remained in constant contact: discussing our team, our families, and what we could do to benefit USF going forward. He has left a huge legacy, that we all appreciate. I look forward to being together again in football heaven for another celebration. Go with God, Bill, and see you soon!"
Following graduation in 1952, Henneberry spent two years in the U.S. Army serving in Japan. Subsequently he earned his teaching credential and Master's Degree at USF. He then returned to Sacred Heart as a teacher and football coach where he was named San Francisco Prep Football Coach of the Year in 1965. Henneberry also taught at A.P. Giannini Middle School. Reflecting his achievements, he was inducted into San Francisco's Prep Hall of Fame.
Toward the end of 1984, Henneberry began his service as Director of Development for Athletics at USF, a position created to help prepare the school for its return to intercollegiate basketball in 1985. Henneberry was an integral figure in the formation and operation of the Green and Gold Club, the University's athletic fund-raising organization, as well as a key player in the effort to increase the endowment.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without Henneberry's leadership and strong character. In recognition of his tireless devotion, Henneberry was named USF Alumnus of the Year in 2005.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Jeanie. Left to carry on his legacy are children Diane McLaughlin (Michael), Charlene Crowley (John, dec.), and Leslie McNaughton (Kevin). Left with treasured memories are grandchildren Christopher, Christina, James, Andrea, and Caroline and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his son Dennis (Leonora) and sisters Rose Henneberry and Patricia Scardino.
In lieu of flowers, the Henneberry family has requested gifts in Bill's memory be made to the USF Athletics Dons Fund here.
"Saying what Bill Henneberry meant to USF is not something that can be easily stated. Simply put, he is the total embodiment of everything we strive to be as an athletics department and an institution," said Director of Athletics Joan McDermott. "His commitment to what is right and what is important has blessed us with a lasting moral compass. Bill lived his daily life doing things because they were right, not because he looked for recognition. He and his teammates, those still with us and those who have passed, are forever united in a bond because they stood up for one another. We will miss Bill dearly, but are comforted by the memories and lessons he has left us."
A native San Franciscan, Henneberry was a blocking back for Sacred Heart High School. In 1948, Dons head coach Joe Kuharich offered Henneberry a tuition-only scholarship and spot on the freshman team.
During the course of his USF career, the all-around exceptional athlete backed up quarterback Ed Brown, defensive halfback Ollie Matson and linebacker Burl Toler. In his most famous game, excellent short passer Henneberry led the Dons to a 26-0 victory over the Pendleton Marines team in 1951, a squad who a week earlier defeated USF 27-17.
In addition to football, Henneberry was student body and Block Club President (varsity letter club). He was also a member of the Marketing Club.
"I first met Bill as a young freshman football player in search of an education," said teammate and lifelong friend Dick Colombini. "Bill was my scout team quarterback who treated me as an equal at all times. As a result of this relationship we became good friends throughout our many years. After football life we remained in constant contact: discussing our team, our families, and what we could do to benefit USF going forward. He has left a huge legacy, that we all appreciate. I look forward to being together again in football heaven for another celebration. Go with God, Bill, and see you soon!"
Following graduation in 1952, Henneberry spent two years in the U.S. Army serving in Japan. Subsequently he earned his teaching credential and Master's Degree at USF. He then returned to Sacred Heart as a teacher and football coach where he was named San Francisco Prep Football Coach of the Year in 1965. Henneberry also taught at A.P. Giannini Middle School. Reflecting his achievements, he was inducted into San Francisco's Prep Hall of Fame.
Toward the end of 1984, Henneberry began his service as Director of Development for Athletics at USF, a position created to help prepare the school for its return to intercollegiate basketball in 1985. Henneberry was an integral figure in the formation and operation of the Green and Gold Club, the University's athletic fund-raising organization, as well as a key player in the effort to increase the endowment.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without Henneberry's leadership and strong character. In recognition of his tireless devotion, Henneberry was named USF Alumnus of the Year in 2005.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Jeanie. Left to carry on his legacy are children Diane McLaughlin (Michael), Charlene Crowley (John, dec.), and Leslie McNaughton (Kevin). Left with treasured memories are grandchildren Christopher, Christina, James, Andrea, and Caroline and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his son Dennis (Leonora) and sisters Rose Henneberry and Patricia Scardino.
In lieu of flowers, the Henneberry family has requested gifts in Bill's memory be made to the USF Athletics Dons Fund here.
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