Chas Bonasorte, former University of Pittsburgh Player Turned ‘Pitt Stop’ Operator Reported Dead

Chas Bonasorte, a member of the University of Pittsburgh’s 1976 football team and operator of the sporting goods store the Pitt Shop has passed away.

Bonasorte’s death was announced in a post from the Pitt Shop which was the one-stop location for all sporting wear needed to support the University’s teams.

The Pitt Shop shared on Instagram: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Chas Bonasorte. The Kamikaze Kid, who was a member of Pitt football’s 1976 national championship team, was a fixture in Oakland and a Panther icon. He will be missed by all of us who work, live, and study in Oakland. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

Many former students of the University shared fond memories of Chas Bonasorte.

“Some of my favorite Pathfinder memories were at the Pitt Shop. RIP Chas!😢😢” one person wrote.

Another said: “Absolute legend. Always made me feel welcomed. RIP Chas,”

Bonasorte’s Pitt outdoors store was described as an ‘institution’ by some others, who noted its iconic locations across from the Cathedral and on Game Days in Gold 1. Bonasorte reportedly also regaled his customers with stories, including that he was Tony Dorsett’s roommate for road games during their time together on the University team.

“…This man was a legend on that corner. I remember him from college, and my kids met him when they were born,” another former student shared. “He even threw T-shirts to the kids on the school busses at times. Everyone loved Chas.”