By WBFO News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-719533.mp3
Washington, DC – His hometown is reeling from Friday's news of the death of venerable broadcast journalist Tim Russert. The Buffalo native died suddenly at the age of 58 from a heart attack.
Russert worked for two prominent New York Democrats, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Gov. Mario Cuomo, before being hired in 1984 by NBC in its Washington bureau. He was host of the top-rated "Meet the Press."
Lee Coppola is Dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Saint Bonaventure University. He says Russert was an icon in journalism who was respected even by those on the other side of his tough questions.
Russert was an avowed Bills and Sabres fan and let it be known during broadcasts of "Meet the Press." He also spoke frequently about his father, the subject of his book "Big Russ and Me."
Tributes to Russert have been pouring in. He was 1968 graduate of Canisius High School. Canisius President Fr. James Higgins issued a written statement, saying the thoughts and prayers of the entire Canisius High School community are with Russert's wife Maureen, his son, Luke, his father, Big Russ, his sisters and all members of the Russert Family.
Fr. Higgins described Russert as an articulate and astute son and citizen of Buffalo, who stayed close and loyal to his roots always.
Mayor Byron Brown says Russert was the city's "greatest ambassador." Brown has ordered that all flags on city property be lowered to half-staff in Russert's memory.
In 2004, WBFO's Mark Scott interviewed Russert about "Big Russ and Me." Click the "listen" icon above to hear the interview now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.