Statement from University President Ken Gormley on the Passing of Garry A. Nelson, Esq., B’71, L’82

Garry's impact on our institution, both in the legal field and on the basketball court, cannot be overstated. A big man at 6’10” tall, he leaves an equally large legacy in the entire city of Pittsburgh.

Garry and his twin brother, Barry, were iconic figures in Duquesne athletics and the Pittsburgh basketball scene. Known as the formidable “Nelson Twins,” they dominated college athletics in their time and led the Dukes to a number of NCAA and NIT tournaments.

Just last month, at Duquesne’s joyous commencement ceremony, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher spoke fondly of traveling from Crafton to the Civic Arena as a teenager to watch the Dukes and the Nelson Twins in action. They were truly part of the fabric of an exciting era in Pittsburgh sports.

After being drafted by professional teams in the U.S., playing professionally in Italy and returning to the U.S. to work and raise a family, Garry enrolled again in Duquesne to earn a law degree. He was especially proud of being a graduate of the law school’s evening division, having graduated from the Duquesne Kline School of Law in 1982 as he was raising his young family.

Garry then began his law career in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office and later worked at the firm Grogan, Graffam, McGinley and Lucchino before spending decades as a contract attorney and solo practitioner. 

I remember Garry fondly as a devoted alumnus when I had the privilege to serve as dean of the law school. He was a giant in the local legal community, just as he had been a giant on the court, and was always eager to support his alma mater and the legal profession that he proudly served. He was a faithful member of the Duquesne Kline Law Alumni Association and its Board of Governors, where he lent a gentle but focused hand to every endeavor. Garry loved to mentor student-athletes and law students alike while regaling his many fans from past decades with stories from that golden era of Duquesne basketball.

His soft-spoken but engaging style was memorialized in a 1971 appearance with his brother, Barry, on Mister Rogers Neighborhood, where they talked with Fred about how twins look the same but have their own independent styles.

All of Garry’s many friends, fellow alums, colleagues and fans will miss his abiding presence courtside at Duquesne Dukes basketball games, but his spirit will live at Duquesne for generations to come. Our prayers are with Barry, his long-time partner Susan and his entire family. He was a giant in the history at Duquesne University and will always remain in our hearts.

Additional Statement from Dave Harper, Vice President for Athletics at Duquesne University 

Garry Nelson was not only a legend in regards to Duquesne basketball history, but truly one of the great men I’ve ever had a chance to meet. We will miss him and send his family and friends our deepest thoughts, prayers and condolences. We will make it a point to honor him this upcoming basketball season.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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