TV host Regis Philbin, who died last month at 88, has been buried at the University of Notre Dame following a private service at his alma mater.
Philbin was buried Wednesday at Cedar Grove Cemetery on the Indiana school's campus after a service at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
"The Philbin family wanted to bring Regis back to the place he loved so much for a private funeral and burial. … He is now resting in peace at Notre Dame," school spokesman Dennis Brown said in an e-mail.
The genial TV host and personality graduated from Notre Dame in 1953 and was an enthusiastic alum, often returning to the South Bend campus for football games, pep rallies, banquets, concerts and other events.
In 2001, he gave $2.75 million to the school to create the Philbin Studio Theatre, meant for laboratory and performance-arts productions at its DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. School President the Rev. John Jenkins praised Philbin for his commitment to the school, saying that "Regis regaled millions on air through the years, oftentimes sharing a passionate love for his alma mater with viewers."
Philbin 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 to 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."
Associated Press
