Philadephia Sportscaster Gary Papa Dies at 54 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 06-19-2009, 05:36 PM

Link + Video

6abc is mourning the loss of Action News Sports Director Gary Papa, who passed away Friday, June 19, 2009.

Gary was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1954. Upstate New York would be his home for most of the next 27 years.

Gary went to Cornell University as an undergraduate, and actually considered a career as an attorney. He even earned his law degree at the University of Buffalo Law School.

But that's when the combination of sports and broadcasting got its hold on Gary. He went into television in Buffalo, and in Steubenville, Ohio.

In April 1981, Gary Papa came to Action News and the Delaware Valley. Gary's first report was from Milwaukee, where the Sixers were playing the Bucks in the NBA playoffs.

Action News viewers will remember that Gary spent 9 years as weekend sports anchor, working alongside Rob Jennings.

He also spent 3 days a week reporting from the field, often on the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers and Eagles, and often on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Action News wasn't Gary's only program here on Channel 6. He was also the host of the long running weekend show Prime Time, taking over from Jim O'Brien in 1983.

In 1990, Gary was named Action News Sports Director.

But it would be a mistake to think that a Monday through Friday anchoring job would let Gary spend his weekends at home. Where ever the sports story was, whenever it took place, Gary was there. So when the Eagles were playing on Sundays, he was working. And if they were on the road, so was he.

And when sports came to town, even sports that we weren't all familiar with, Gary was there, and he explained them to all of us.

Because he was seemingly everywhere, seemingly all of the time, many Action News viewers considered Gary part of their families, as did all of us who worked with him.

So when Gary announced on-air in 2004 that he was battling prostate cancer, he knew he was sharing a private ordeal with people who cared, and he received an outpouring of emotion and support throughout his fight.

And for Gary it was a powerful fight. In fact, for much of that fight he was on top, but three years later, he broke the news to all of us, that he was again undergoing chemotherapy.

Through it all, Gary's love was being on air every night he could. When he sat in the studio, no matter how awful he felt, his spirit would brighten, his smile would shine, and, if even for just 3 minutes, he felt the joy and the thrill of sharing the day's sports, and being part of the day's triumphs and tragedies with all of you, and with all of us.

Gary leaves behind his wife Kathleen, his two sons Tucker and Nathaniel, of course his Action News family, and all of you.

Wreckless · 06-20-2009, 12:22 PM

How many f*cking times are we going to lose another philly sports personal this year? apologies to gary for the expletive, it wasn't aimed at you specifically or at all- i'm just angry that so many great men are leaving us. RIP Gary, you were a great man, an inspirational voice & fought long and hard for Philly and for your life. You will be missed.

TVFactFan · 06-20-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Link + Video

6abc is mourning the loss of Action News Sports Director Gary Papa, who passed away Friday, June 19, 2009.

Gary was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1954. Upstate New York would be his home for most of the next 27 years.

Gary went to Cornell University as an undergraduate, and actually considered a career as an attorney. He even earned his law degree at the University of Buffalo Law School.

But that's when the combination of sports and broadcasting got its hold on Gary. He went into television in Buffalo, and in Steubenville, Ohio.

In April 1981, Gary Papa came to Action News and the Delaware Valley. Gary's first report was from Milwaukee, where the Sixers were playing the Bucks in the NBA playoffs.

Action News viewers will remember that Gary spent 9 years as weekend sports anchor, working alongside Rob Jennings.

He also spent 3 days a week reporting from the field, often on the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers and Eagles, and often on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Action News wasn't Gary's only program here on Channel 6. He was also the host of the long running weekend show Prime Time, taking over from Jim O'Brien in 1983.

In 1990, Gary was named Action News Sports Director.

But it would be a mistake to think that a Monday through Friday anchoring job would let Gary spend his weekends at home. Where ever the sports story was, whenever it took place, Gary was there. So when the Eagles were playing on Sundays, he was working. And if they were on the road, so was he.

And when sports came to town, even sports that we weren't all familiar with, Gary was there, and he explained them to all of us.

Because he was seemingly everywhere, seemingly all of the time, many Action News viewers considered Gary part of their families, as did all of us who worked with him.

So when Gary announced on-air in 2004 that he was battling prostate cancer, he knew he was sharing a private ordeal with people who cared, and he received an outpouring of emotion and support throughout his fight.

And for Gary it was a powerful fight. In fact, for much of that fight he was on top, but three years later, he broke the news to all of us, that he was again undergoing chemotherapy.

Through it all, Gary's love was being on air every night he could. When he sat in the studio, no matter how awful he felt, his spirit would brighten, his smile would shine, and, if even for just 3 minutes, he felt the joy and the thrill of sharing the day's sports, and being part of the day's triumphs and tragedies with all of you, and with all of us.

Gary leaves behind his wife Kathleen, his two sons Tucker and Nathaniel, of course his Action News family, and all of you.

Why are you posting this news on this board when only people like me and wreckless would know who he is? This is not a Philadelphia Sports Board

TVFactFan · 06-20-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wreckless

How many f*cking times are we going to lose another philly sports personal this year? apologies to gary for the expletive, it wasn't aimed at you specifically or at all- i'm just angry that so many great men are leaving us. RIP Gary, you were a great man, an inspirational voice & fought long and hard for Philly and for your life. You will be missed.

Yeah I watched the tribute this morning and became a little emotional

Zoneboy · 06-20-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLifeAdjuster

Why are you posting this news on this board when only people like me and wreckless would know who he is? This is not a Philadelphia Sports Board

Since when do you dictate what can and cannot be posted on the sports board? I saw nothing wrong with this and I doubt that you and Wreckless are the only ones here that know who he is. I thought the video was touching and emotional and that's one reason why I posted it. Gary Papa seemed like a man that was loved by many in the Philadelphia area and it's a shame that he wasn't more well known outside of it.

TVFactFan · 06-20-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Since when do you dictate what can and cannot be posted on the sports board? I saw nothing wrong with this and I doubt that you and Wreckless are the only ones here that know who he is. I thought the video was touching and emotional and that's one reason why I posted it. Gary Papa seemed like a man that was loved by many in the Philadelphia area and it's a shame that he wasn't more well known outside of it.

I know you seem to be excited about reporting death news but I'm going to say it one more time, THISIS NOT A PHILADELPHIA SPORTS BOARD!!!

Would you do the same thing if a Sportscaster in Minnesota died?

Zoneboy · 06-20-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLifeAdjuster

I know you seem to be excited about reporting death news but I'm going to say it one more time, THISIS NOT A PHILADELPHIA SPORTS BOARD!!!

Solomon, I get no excitement out of posting obits and I really don't appreciate the comment. This is a sports board and news and topics are not limited to the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL etc... Instead of jumping on me for starting this thread, I suggest you take your complaint to TJ and he can decide if it stays or gets sent to the graveyard. I've seen you post a lot of what I consider crap threads on these boards but I have never got on your case about any of them so please extend me the same courtesy. One more thing, It's not necessary to post in all caps, I know you're just trying to get your point across but I am perfectly capable of understanding you without being shouted at.

Janice · 06-20-2009, 11:28 PM

The poor guy, Bary Papa, was young. You just never know. Here in Boston, one of Boston's local legends, Jerry Remy, the color man for the Red Sox, has lung cancer. We're all praying for him, but he's been out just about all season. He played for the Sox in the 80s, and has been an announcer for over 20 years. His nickname is The Remdawg, and he's the President of Red Sox Nation. If he passes away, it will be a huge deal in Massachusetts.

http://www.theremyreport.com/splash.cfm

I don't mean to hijack this thread, just making a point that I know how much it stings when a local legend is gone. I just know Jerry's not coming back. They never even mention his name anymore. I think they're respecting his privacy.

Big C · 06-20-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

The poor guy, Bary Papa, was young. You just never know. Here in Boston, one of Boston's local legends, Jerry Remy, the color man for the Red Sox, has lung cancer. We're all praying for him, but he's been out just about all season. He played for the Sox in the 80s, and has been an announcer for over 20 years. His nickname is The Remdawg, and he's the President of Red Sox Nation. If he passes away, it will be a huge deal in Massachusetts.

http://www.theremyreport.com/splash.cfm

I don't mean to hijack this thread, just making a point that I know how much it stings when a local legend is gone.

As a Buffalo fan (My family moved to Wisconsin in 1994), I felt that way when longtime Sabres announcer Ted Darling passed away.

06-19-2009, 05:36 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,483	Philadephia Sportscaster Gary Papa Dies at 54 Link + Video 6abc is mourning the loss of Action News Sports Director Gary Papa, who passed away Friday, June 19, 2009. Gary was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1954. Upstate New York would be his home for most of the next 27 years. Gary went to Cornell University as an undergraduate, and actually considered a career as an attorney. He even earned his law degree at the University of Buffalo Law School. But that's when the combination of sports and broadcasting got its hold on Gary. He went into television in Buffalo, and in Steubenville, Ohio. In April 1981, Gary Papa came to Action News and the Delaware Valley. Gary's first report was from Milwaukee, where the Sixers were playing the Bucks in the NBA playoffs. Action News viewers will remember that Gary spent 9 years as weekend sports anchor, working alongside Rob Jennings. He also spent 3 days a week reporting from the field, often on the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers and Eagles, and often on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Action News wasn't Gary's only program here on Channel 6. He was also the host of the long running weekend show Prime Time, taking over from Jim O'Brien in 1983. In 1990, Gary was named Action News Sports Director. But it would be a mistake to think that a Monday through Friday anchoring job would let Gary spend his weekends at home. Where ever the sports story was, whenever it took place, Gary was there. So when the Eagles were playing on Sundays, he was working. And if they were on the road, so was he. And when sports came to town, even sports that we weren't all familiar with, Gary was there, and he explained them to all of us. Because he was seemingly everywhere, seemingly all of the time, many Action News viewers considered Gary part of their families, as did all of us who worked with him. So when Gary announced on-air in 2004 that he was battling prostate cancer, he knew he was sharing a private ordeal with people who cared, and he received an outpouring of emotion and support throughout his fight. And for Gary it was a powerful fight. In fact, for much of that fight he was on top, but three years later, he broke the news to all of us, that he was again undergoing chemotherapy. Through it all, Gary's love was being on air every night he could. When he sat in the studio, no matter how awful he felt, his spirit would brighten, his smile would shine, and, if even for just 3 minutes, he felt the joy and the thrill of sharing the day's sports, and being part of the day's triumphs and tragedies with all of you, and with all of us. Gary leaves behind his wife Kathleen, his two sons Tucker and Nathaniel, of course his Action News family, and all of you.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

06-20-2009, 12:22 PM	#2
Wreckless Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Nov 04, 2007 Location: Banned Posts: 9,406	How many f*cking times are we going to lose another philly sports personal this year? apologies to gary for the expletive, it wasn't aimed at you specifically or at all- i'm just angry that so many great men are leaving us. RIP Gary, you were a great man, an inspirational voice & fought long and hard for Philly and for your life. You will be missed.

06-20-2009, 11:28 PM	#8
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	The poor guy, Bary Papa, was young. You just never know. Here in Boston, one of Boston's local legends, Jerry Remy, the color man for the Red Sox, has lung cancer. We're all praying for him, but he's been out just about all season. He played for the Sox in the 80s, and has been an announcer for over 20 years. His nickname is The Remdawg, and he's the President of Red Sox Nation. If he passes away, it will be a huge deal in Massachusetts. http://www.theremyreport.com/splash.cfm I don't mean to hijack this thread, just making a point that I know how much it stings when a local legend is gone. I just know Jerry's not coming back. They never even mention his name anymore. I think they're respecting his privacy.