Gerri is survived by three children, Peter, Michelle, and Dennis, all of whom reside in New York, where DeBusschere played with the Knicks for the majority of his professional basketball career.

UDM athletic director Keri Gaither and senior associate athletic director Daron Montgomery are attending Mrs. DeBusschere's funeral on behalf of Titan Athletics.

Visitation and the funeral are scheduled for today and tomorrow in Westhampton Beach, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Fund at University of Detroit Mercy, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI , 48221. (Please phone the Athletic Department at 313-993-1700 for additional details).

“We were honored that the DeBusscheres have asked their family and friends for memorial gifts to their Dad's scholarship fund, instead of flowers,” Gaither said. “It's important that Daron and I be there Sunday and Monday to represent the University. Dave and Gerri meant so much to so many Titan alumni and fans for so many years.”

DeBusschere was a three-time consensus All-American under coach Bob Calihan during his career with the Titans (1960-62) and remains one of the most beloved figures in University athletic annals. He still holds the all-time Titan records for career scoring average (24.8 ppg) and total rebounds (1,552) and remains the third-leading scorer (1,985) in school history as well. He was the driving force behind Detroit's first three post-season invitations ever – bids to the NIT in 1960 and '61, and to the NCAA Tournament in 1962. DeBusschere remains the only Titan ever to average more than 20 points in three consecutive college seasons. His No. 22 jersey was retired in special ceremonies in 1978. He was also an All-American baseball pitcher during his days at U of D.

DeBusschere was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 1962 NBA Draft and a magnificent professional career quickly unfolded. He was a 1963 All-Rookie Team selection and played for the Pistons until being traded to New York in 1968. He played on two NBA Championship teams (1970 and '73) with the Knicks. By the end of his career, DeBusschere was an eight-time NBA All-Star (1966-68, '70-73) and a first-team All-Defensive Team selection for six straight seasons (1969-74). He was elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983 and was named one of “50 Greatest Players in NBA History” during the league's 50th anniversary celebration in 1996. He was a founder of the National Basketball Retired Players Association in 1992, following his playing days.

In honor of the former basketball great, UDM inaugurated the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship following his passing in 2003. The scholarship provides support to two worthy Titan student-athletes. Students who are considered for the scholarship must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.

UDM Athletics held its second Dave DeBusschere Scholarship Dinner & Cruise in September and it was a rousing success, raising additional funds to be designated to worthy recipients and their education at UDM. DeBusschere's son Peter flew in from New York for the event and spoke on behalf of the family. DeBusschere's four sisters – Marcia, Sharon, Barbara and Judy, all of whom live in the Detroit area – were also in attendance aboard the Ovation yacht that evening.