Ernie Salvatore, dean of Huntington (W.Va) sports dead

Just got back to town, and back on the grid. ... I read this morning that long, long, long time Huntington (W.Va) sports institution Ernie Salvatore, died Friday. He was 87.
Ernie, a Conn., native came to Huntington in the 1940s and never left. He married a fellow newspaperwoman and raised five kids.
He served as a writer, editor and columnist presiding over the Huntington sports scene, including Marshall University, for more than 60 years.
He was one of the first reporters to arrive at the 1970 MU plane crash site.
Marshall recently dedicated the press box in his honor.
He was a nice fellow, known for his snazzy shoes, and will be missed.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/homepage/x1517857735/Sports-institution-Salvatore-dies


Chuck Landon's column, paying homage to Ernie.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1227379152/Chuck-Landon-No-last-name-needed

 

Most of us won't live anywhere close to being 87. Sounds like he had a life well lived.

 

Wow, what a life. RIP, Ernie. I just watched "We Are Marshall" a couple weeks ago and wondered what ever became of the Huntington sportswriter portrayed in the film. Guess I know now.

 

I had always had that wonder as well. Rest in peace, Ernie. Sounds like he left quite an impact.

 

I interviewed at the Herald-Dispatch many years ago, and had the pleasure of meeting Ernie during my visit. We shared stories of the former Division I coach who played at Marshall (and is my distant cousin, which is how the discussion started). Ernie and I were on diametrically opposite sides of several sports issues, but he always was a fascinating guy to debate. RIP, Ern.