My Thoughts and Prayers for Gary Papa

I am so saddened by the loss of Gary Papa who succumbed to prostate cancer this morning. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and children, his family at 6ABC, and the people in the region who counted on him and invited him into their homes each night.

Gary was a very special man; very genuine. He was able to do his job of reporting the sports news and he did it in a way that showcased the fan in him. I think that’s what touched most of his viewers – that he followed and supported the same teams they did.

I knew Gary wasn’t well and I asked about him often through others at the station. I called him personally last week and left a message although I will forever regret not being able to speak to him directly.

Gary fought a tremendous battle that reflected his character. To appear on television after chemotherapy with his head shaved standing strong and confident…… He loved life and was willing to do anything to keep his.

Philadelphia has lost a couple of icons in the broadcasting field already this year. Let’s all cherish those memories and pray for their families.

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• natennis13 said June 19, 2009

  I am definitely going to miss seeing this guy cover the eagles, its sad to see a guy that as far back as i can remember has been covering this team.

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• steiny31 said June 19, 2009

  Very well said McNabb. My thoughts go out to Mr. Papa and his family. He was only 54 years old. Very sad. Keep up the great work and I hope all is well!! - Steiny
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR_whzuxDTw
  
  

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• deserteaglefan said June 19, 2009

  well said....

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• asween40 said June 19, 2009

  Tough loss. Hopefully there is something great waiting for him ...and us all ...on the other side. Thanks Donovan. Some people may at times criticize your play on the field, but no one can criticize your class. Win one for Harry and Gary.

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• filly4ever said June 19, 2009

  Great loss. Thanks Donovan. Well said and my prayers go out to him and his loved ones....
  

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• IgglezFan4Life said June 19, 2009

  Philadelphia will miss Gary & Harry very much. Two irreplaceable voices & men of Philadelphia. Please Donovan, for them, for Jim Johnson, & for the city who deep deep down loves you, win that Super Bowl for us.

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• IgglezFan4Life said June 19, 2009

  Philadelphia will miss Gary & Harry very much. Donovan, I say this sincerely even though I doubt you will ever see this, but please, for Philadelphia & the people we've lost & Jim Johnson who battle as we speak...please bring home that trophy for us.

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• BenPhranklin said June 20, 2009

  I hope he rests in peace

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• razah12 said June 20, 2009

  Thoughts and Prayers...

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• rustysrf89 said June 20, 2009

  Nice post DMAC, you continue to show you're a class act all the way!

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• EazyEagleZ said June 20, 2009

  I can remember growing up watching him and listening to Harry Kalas. My prayers are with his family.

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• Justwannawinna said June 20, 2009

  Your a class act Donovan RIP to Gary Papa who will be missed here in Philly

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• 5snumber1fan said June 20, 2009

  philly has lost 2 too many of the best commentators in the world.
  prayers for them and their family and friends.
  also remembering Jim Johnson and hope his fight ends positively and that he is on the field in Sept.

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• jerseys12 said June 20, 2009

  To gary papa and family,and jim johnson get well buddy!! Donovan Mcnabb,you have a bless day and great season Buddy!!!!

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• phillyphan54 said June 20, 2009

  well said Donny Mac...my thoughts too are for the Papa family

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• 5ivefan said June 20, 2009

  I couldn't have said it better myself. I'm happy you feel the same way about Gary as we fans do. Very classy Donovan.

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• black11 said June 20, 2009

  gary papa a good man and will allways be a die hard eagles fan forever this super bowl is for him and desean dad and jamal jacksons brother

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• BowlBound said June 20, 2009

  I don't know much about Gary. Never heard of him since we are far removed from the Northeast, but from what I have seen here, he was a good guy. May he R.I.P.

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  • EazyEagleZ replied June 21, 2009

    Classy move dude and yeah he was a great guy.
• Birdflipper said June 20, 2009

  I grew up during the days of Gary Papa, "Big" Al Meltzer, and Harry Kalas... I was lucky.

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  • EazyEagleZ replied June 24, 2009

    Me too. Those were the days. Big Al. . . That name brings back memories.
• MONSTER said June 20, 2009

  i wont touch on this one....i will just continue the trash talk on your next one

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  • NPhillyBirdman replied June 21, 2009

    Thanks for the respect monster lol, we will battle it out on other terms but this one deserved a moment of trash talking silence. I see you do have some decency in you.
  • khollen replied June 22, 2009

    very respectable of you monster.
• ItsJustaGame said June 20, 2009

  Well said Donovan. One day down the road, maybe ten or 15 years from now when you are ready to retire from the NFL, I think you will make an excellent sportscaster.

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  • MONSTER replied June 22, 2009

    15 YEARS? LOL
• hockeygoddess said June 21, 2009

  Thanks Donovan for being the true super star you are. RIP Gary Papa - you will be missed. Too much sadness in the Philly sports area lately.

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• NPhillyBirdman said June 21, 2009

  McNabb you continuously show me and others why you are the leader of this football team. Very well said and deserving. I know he is looking down smiling.

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• phillyfanchase said June 21, 2009

  That right there is why everybody should love Donovan McNabb

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• khollen said June 22, 2009

  well said, you are a class act.

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• Spotella said June 22, 2009

  DMac, your respect for life shows with every comment you post. Thanks for being you and thanks for being an EAGLE!

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  • khollen replied June 22, 2009

    amen.
• calieagle99 said June 22, 2009

  You're a good dude 5! Happy Fathers Day

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• sheltervet said June 22, 2009

  God bless the Papa family and comfort them at this difficult time. Mr. McNabb, you are indeed a credit to this city and a true gentleman. Good luck this year and thanks for all you do.

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• Philllyfan1 said July 29, 2009

  the EGALES are the best and they will win it all this year

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