Action News Sports Director Gary Papa Passes Away

by Travis Hughes on Jun 19, 2009 5:30 PM EDT in Philadelphia Flyers News

Without a doubt, Gary Papa was the best television sports director in Philadelphia. He was named to that position in 1990, and for most of his time at the job, the sports landscape in this city was, well, depressing. The Phillies were terrible, the Eagles were terrible, the Sixers were terrible, and the Flyers weren't all that great either. But that didn't matter, because everytime you turned on channel six to watch a sports report, Gary had a smile on his face. He loved Philadelphia sports and he loved his job.

Gary Papa, dead at 54 after a long battle with prostate cancer. He will be missed.

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Geez. We just can’t catch a break. First Harry Kalas, now Gary Papa.

Thanks Gary. You were a wonderful blessing to us all. You no longer need to suffer. We will miss you so much.

by Mitchell Green on Jun 19, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

Man,

That must have been TOUGH for Jim Gardner. I can’t imagine. Sad day. You’ll be missed for sure Gary.

"It was almost like if Harry didn't call it, it wasn't real." - Jayson Stark

by Chris Haines on Jun 19, 2009 6:01 PM EDT reply actions

I met Gary once.

It was after a Jets-Eagles preseason game in 2007. I was doing a college internship for a Jets fan site and walked past him as he was about to do his report. I got to talk to him for a bit and shook his hand. He looked pretty disheveled because of the chemo he was undergoing, but his smile was still there.

RIP Gary

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!

by R_Adragna on Jun 20, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions