New England And Broadcasting Community Remembers Gil Santos

On Friday, New England Patriots longtime radio play-by-play broadcaster Gil Santos passed away at the age of 80.

Santos, who called Patriots games for 36 years, retired in January 2013 following the AFC Championship game and was inducted into the teams Hall of Fame later that summer.

In the hours and days after the news broke, many within the broadcasting community and Patriots organization took to social media to share their personal stories and goodbyes.

Scott Zolak, WBZ-FM 985 The Sports Hub

https://twitter.com/scottzolak/status/987139818655232001

Christopher Price, Boston Sports Journal

Gil Santos was not only a classic play-by-play man, but a terrific individual. Had the pleasure to chat with him on a number of occasions. A true gentleman.

— Christopher Price (@cpriceglobe) April 20, 2018

Matt Chatham, NESN

When I think about some of the happiest moments of my professional life, Gil Santos’ legendary voice is prominently there. And he was a class act to boot. Sad sad news for #PatriotsNation.

— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) April 20, 2018

Paula Ebben, WBZ-TV Boston.

Gil Santos sat at the front of the #WBZ News Radio newsroom every morning in front of his old-fashioned typewriter laughing with Gary LaPierre and including new Morning Anchor kids like @davidwade and me. Adored his wife. Booming voice, huge heart, great man. @Patriots @wbz

— PAULA EBBEN (@PaulaEbben) April 20, 2018

Mark Dondero, WEEI 103.7 FM Providence

Real sad to hear about the passing of Gil Santos. Super nice man. He opened up his home to me so I could do this story after he passed the torch to @BobSocci in 2013. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/OGiwPChArD

— Mark Dondero (@MarkDondero) April 20, 2018

Ian Logue, PatsFans.com

Gil Santos painted the picture of every play with his booming voice and was just incredible at what he did. Best wishes to his friends and family. This is definitely a tough one.

— Ian Logue (@IanLogue) April 20, 2018

David Wade, WBZ-TV Boston

Gary Lapierre, Dan Rea and Gil Santos' son all share their memories of the legendary Gil Santos on WBZ News at 11. With his golden pipes, Gil painted a vivid picture of some of our region's greatest sports moments. He was also a tremendous family man. Great man. Great legacy. pic.twitter.com/XaGncAu5kh

— David Wade (@davidwade) April 20, 2018

Bob Socci, WBZ-FM 985 The Sports Hub

For me, the truly lasting memory is the sound of Gil Santos, and a voice I still hear in my head as clearly as that afternoon listening to him and Gino on my old Sony Walkman. As New Englanders had long realized, Gil was the perfect – yes, perfect – football broadcaster.

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 20, 2018

Sure, Gil had the pipes meant to call meaningful moments. But what separated him was the description (“direct snap to Brady…he shoots it long…”) to paint the picture and a wonderful sense of humor to go with it. I was hooked.

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 20, 2018

A few years later, after my wife and I moved to Boston, Gil was on my radio on weekday mornings and Sunday afternoons. I reached out to him, asking for a critique of samples from own broadcasts calling Navy football. Gil being Gil, he obliged.

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 20, 2018

Gil offered constructive criticism, naturally, but also had enough good things to say to help me believe I too might call NFL games someday. A year later, @985TheSportsHub launched and Gil helped to point me to a door to knock on. When he retired, that door opened.

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 20, 2018

I realized then, as today, there’s no replacing Gil Santos. He was, is and will remain the Voice of the Patriots — the voice of football in New England. He and Gino have a legacy all their own, leaving @scottzolak and me to try to create our own distinct soundtrack for the Pats.

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 20, 2018

A large framed photo of Gil and Gino — Pats Hall of Famers — hangs in our broadcast booth. And Gil’s voice still resonates in my mind every Sunday, as I take my place trying to earn my place as his successor.

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 20, 2018

I am terribly saddened by the news of Gil’s death. Tonight from afar, I offer my condolences to Gil’s family, starting with his wife Roberta and son Mark; his friends and colleagues at WBZ and with the Patriots; and to all the listeners touched by his voice as I was. RIP, Gil.

— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 20, 2018

Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Boston

The legendary Gil Santos touched so many lives. Generations hold dear the sound of his voice. R.I.P. and God Bless the Santos family. #WBZ

— Steve Burton (@SteveBurtonWBZ) April 20, 2018

Emerson Lotzia Jr, NESN and WFXT TV Boston

“Well, New England, you have the best football team in the world right now.”

Gil Santos' epic call of New England’s game-winning drive in Super Bowl XXXVI marked the start of something special.#RIPGilSantos #Patriots https://t.co/k4TJ6SfEFY

— Emerson Lotzia, Jr. (@EmersonLotzia) April 20, 2018

Mike Gorman, NBC Sports Boston

Just out of the Navy – clueless – wander into WBZ and ask to speak to Gil Santos – he not only spends an hour with me – but makes a phone call and gets me a job at WNBH where he started – changed my life – forever grateful – Gil was as good as it gets on a fall Sunday afternoon

— Mike Gorman (@celticsvoice) April 20, 2018

https://twitter.com/scottzolak/status/987345581638144001

Gil’s Typewriter pic.twitter.com/ruGjrHV1EP

— Zolak & Bertrand (@ZoandBertrand) April 20, 2018

Joe Andruzzi, New England Patriots 2000-2004

Rest In Peace, Gil. https://t.co/T5MOdGEmDg

— Joe Andruzzi (@Andruzzi63) April 20, 2018

We all fondly remember Gil Santos chronicling the @Patriots dynasty. Gil was also one of the broadcast voices of the Celtics champions of the 1980s, paired with none other than Bob Cousy. We join all those celebrating his legacy and mourning his loss.

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 20, 2018

Mike Reiss, ESPN Boston

Our last email exchange, on Super Bowl Sunday. Gil was always so gracious. He loved the Patriots, and every conversation with him about the franchise, its history, and various players, was a gift. He wasn’t in the booth the last 5 years, but his passion for the team never faded. pic.twitter.com/aPEKtXKIl3

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 20, 2018

Sean Grande, WBZ-FM 985 The Sports Hub

I was like 24 when I became the voice of Boston College Football.

I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without Gil on Patriots for me to study. And I’m grateful that years later I got to tell him that.

Gil & Gino were that special, greater-than-the-sum-of-the-parts teams. https://t.co/pr4SW2WpV6

— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) April 20, 2018

Dave Pasch, ESPN

Gil Santos’ voice was probably more familiar to NFL fans nationally than any other team radio announcer because of all his great calls in multiple Super Bowls for the @Patriots. He was a tremendous announcer and provided many indelible memories. Praying for his family.

— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) April 20, 2018

Joe Giza, WBZ-TV Boston

https://twitter.com/JoeGiza/status/987172769199742977

Merrill Reese, WIP-FM SportsRadio 94.1 Philadelphia

Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gil Santos. The former “Voice of The Patriots” was one of the best play-by-play broadcasters ever. He was also a warm, wonderful person. My condolences to his family and millions of fans.

— Merrill Reese (@mreeseeagles) April 20, 2018

Don Orsillo, Fox Sports San Diego

Saddened to learn of the loss of the great Gil Santos. One of the core voices of my life. Class personified. #RIPGil.

— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) April 20, 2018

Remembering a legend and the calls that will be heard forever across Patriots Nation.

Rest in Peace, Gil Santos. pic.twitter.com/fjvl7qHPfa

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 20, 2018

Statement from Gino Cappelletti on the passing of his long-time #Patriots radio partner Gil Santos – #WBZ pic.twitter.com/rPG9kgyFsN

— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) April 20, 2018