Don Gillis, Dean Of Boston TV Sports, Dies

BOSTON -- Don Gillis, the man who invented the television sportscast in Boston and then defined it for generations of viewers, died Wednesday night in Falmouth.

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While Gillis began his career in radio and hosted post-game coverage of the Boston Red Sox, he became best known as a television sports anchor. In 1962, he began his nightly sports segment on WHDH-TV.

"He was the first one in Boston to do a sportscast," his son Gary said. "It was in October of 1962, the same night Johnny Carson started 'The Tonight Show'".

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The segment was so popular that the television station expanded its late newscast from 15 to 30 minutes.

Texaco was a sponsor of the newscast and "they wanted him to wear a Texaco uniform on the set. They said they would give him another $15, but he wouldn't wear it," his son said. "With five kids at home, that wasn't easy."

Gary, who followed his father into broadcasting, said, "The greatest thing about him was that I never worried about running into someone who said 'what a jerk your father is'. They talked about him with great admiration and great respect. That is the way he approached things. He felt everyone deserved respect until they proved otherwise."

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Gillis died at his home after suffering a series of strokes three weeks ago.

In radio, Gillis worked with legendary sportscaster Curt Gowdy. When Gowdy hurt his back in 1957, Gillis took over and did play-by-play for the Red Sox, his son said. "At various points in his career, he did play-by-play for every major team in Boston."

Gillis, who was born in Nova Scotia in 1922, was the sports director at WCVB-TV from 1972 to 1983. He also hosted the popular candlepin bowling program until 1995.

"Don was a beloved and founding member of the Channel 5 family. Generations of local viewers grew up watching Don. He leaves a legacy of warmth, humor and mentorship to the many who followed in his footsteps," the station said in a statement.

After high school, Gillis went to work for the phone company. In 1943, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Missouri, where he was a fire control officer.

"He was on board when the Japanese signed the formal surrender in 1945," his son said.

After the war he attended a broadcasting school and began his radio career in New Bedford.

The wake is set for Monday, between 4-7 p.m., at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Falmouth, his son said.

The funeral will be on Tuesday at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Falmouth.