Ex-76ers trainer Al Domenico, 83, dies

Al Domenico, the 76ers' longtime trainer who endured a 9-73 season in 1972-73 and enjoyed a championship run in 1983, died Friday at age 83.

Mr. Domenico retired in July 1989 after 26 seasons as the team's trainer. Among the players he treated were Wilt Chamberlain, Wali Jones, Billy Cunningham, Julius Erving, Bobby Jones, Maurice Cheeks, and Charles Barkley.

Mr. Domenico was known for his sense of humor.

"I don't have enough time to tell you about Al Domenico," said Sixers coach Doug Collins, who played for the team from 1973 to '81. "The first time I met him was as a rookie. He was taping my ankles and he started to write something down. I asked him what he was doing. He said, 'I'm taking notes to tell the next general manager you play for that you've got weak ankles.' "

"I've never met a guy who was funnier," Charles Barkley told the Daily News in 1989.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, and eight children. Funeral information was not available.

"I first met Al in 1964 and maintained a relationship with him from that point forward," Sixers general manager Tony DiLeo said. "He played an integral role in this organization for 26 seasons until his retirement."