Regis Philbin’s family reveal he’s now buried at alma mater University Of Notre Dame after private funeral at its Basilica Of The Sacred Heart
Regis Philbin, who died last week at 88, has been buried at the University of Notre Dame, his alma mater.
The television host was interred following a private funeral service at the university, a school spokesman said.
Philbin’s memorial took place at the school’s Basilica Of The Sacred Heart and he has been laid to rest at Cedar Grove Cemetery on campus.
Proud alum: Regis Philbin, who died last week at 88, has been buried at the University of Notre Dame, his alma mater; he is pictured on its football field in 1993
‘The Philbin family wanted to bring Regis back to the place he loved so much for a private funeral and burial,’ school spokesman Dennis Brown said in an mail.
‘That occurred on Wednesday, and he is now resting in peace at Notre Dame.’
The genial television host and personality graduated from the Catholic university in 1953 and was an enthusiastic alum.
He frequently returned to the South Bend, Indiana campus for football games, pep rallies, banquets, concerts and other events, the South Bend Tribune reported.
Old stomping grounds: The television host was interred following a private funeral service at the university, a school spokesman said; he is pictured on campus in 1993
Home: The genial television personality graduated from the Catholic university in 1953 and was an enthusiastic alum; he is pictured in 1993 in front of his old college residence hall
In 2001 the Live With Regis And Kathy Lee host gave $2.75 million to the school to create the Philbin Studio Theatre.
Located at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, the black box venue was meant for laboratory and performance-arts productions.
School president the Rev. John Jenkins praised Philbin for his commitment to the school in a statement this week.
‘Regis regaled millions on air through the years, oftentimes sharing a passionate love for his alma mater with viewers,’ said Jenkins.
Family time: Regis is pictured attending an event in the auditorium on campus with his daughter J.J. (left) in 1993
Throwback: Regis is pictured in 1993 in the stadium tunnel of Notre Dame’s football field modeling a jacket that read ‘FIGHTING IRISH’
Decades ago: Regis is pictured in May 1999 receiving an honorary degree during Notre Dame’s 154th commencement exercises
Phibin died of natural causes on July 24, just over a month before his 89th birthday.
He retired in 2011 following a long television career that included hosting the syndicated morning shows Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee from 1985-2000 – with co-host Kathie Lee Gifford – and Live! with Regis and Kelly – with Kelly Ripa – from 2001 until his retirement.
He had also hosted the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Catholic school: Regis is pictured in 1993 outside Notre Dame’s Grotto Of Our Lady Of Lourdes
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