Michael E. Delnegro, Alexandria Hall of Fame Athlete and Business Leader, Dies at 86

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Michael E. Delnegro of Alexandria, a Hall of Fame athlete and longtime business leader, died peacefully in his sleep on February 2, 2026. He was 86.

An Alexandria native, high school basketball standout, and retired president of a Washington, DC printing company, Delnegro lived most of his life in the city he loved.

He was born on February 22, 1939, in Alexandria. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Carol; cherished daughter, Lisa; and his uncle Julian Whitestone, the famed National Championship George Washington High School crew coach, football referee, and boxing official.

A devout Catholic, he began his education at the old St. Mary’s School on Duke Street and later was bused to St. Stephen’s School in Washington, DC. A precocious athlete, he helped lead the St. Rita’s CYO Basketball Team to a State CYO Championship and a second-place finish during his two years with the program.

Several of his boyhood friends achieved national prominence: John Phillips, founder of the “Mamas and Papas” vocal group; Mike Heisley, future owner of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies; and Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Captain Rocky Versace.

At Alexandria’s George Washington High School, Mike was a standout athlete. He earned All-Met honors as a playmaking guard and led his team to second- and third-place finishes in the Virginia State Basketball Tournament. The 1956 second-place team was later inducted into the ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame.

In baseball, he was a three-year starting shortstop and elected co-captain. He received a full football scholarship to N.C. State in 1957. His promising college football career was disrupted by the arrival of future All-American quarterback Roman Gabriel.

He transferred and graduated from George Washington University with a degree in education in 1962. He later served his country in the Marine Corps, training at Parris Island and serving at Camp Lejeune, NC.

Following his military service, he began coaching at St. Stephen’s High School under the legendary “Sleepy” Thompson. He later moved into sales and marketing with the Carnation Co., and was subsequently recruited into the printing industry, where he ultimately became president of a highly successful K Street commercial printing company.

Mike remained active in the Alexandria Jaycees, coached a Junior Major League Baseball team to a championship, and held memberships in Belle Haven Country Club, Old Dominion Boat Club, and the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.

He is survived by his son, John; grandsons Jack and Ben; and several cousins. He took particular pride in his grandsons’ accomplishments: Jack, a summa cum laude graduate of William & Mary and President of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, and Ben, an emerging film artist at Emerson College.

Funeral services are pending.