Former News/Sports Director Passes Away at 54

Gary Papa, a former WVBR news and sports director who went on to become a sportscasting legend in Philadelphia, has passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 54.

Gary was a master of multitasking during his time at WVBR, adding the news director's job to his sports duties when his predecessor departed for a job at WTKO. After graduating from Cornell in 1976, he spent a number of years doing sports on TV in his native Buffalo before moving onto Philadelphia in 1981, where he became one of the city's best known and beloved sportscasters.

Many of his former co-workers say they think of him as a mentor - others say he was an instant friend to everyone he met. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004, and managed to fight it while still maintaining a regular work schedule for years afterward. He last appeared on the air on May 13.

He's survived by his wife, Kathleen, and two sons.