Boston sportscasting pioneer Don Gillis, 85

(Courtesy WCVB-TV)

By Globe Staff

Don Gillis, Boston's first TV sports anchorman, died Wednesday night at the age of 85 in Falmouth. He had suffered from Alzheimer's disease in recent years.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former colleague, the dean of Boston television sports, Don Gillis, and extend ourheartfelt sympathies to his family," WCVB-TV (Channel 5), his former station, said in a statement.

In October 1962, Mr. Gillis became the city's first nightly TV sports anchor on the old Channel 5 (WHDH-TV).

Mr. Gillis, who got his start in radio in New Bedford, was well-known as both a sports anchor and host of the "Candlepins" program. After the old Channel 5 went off the air, he served as sports director at WCVB-TV from 1972 to 1983 and hosted the bowling program until 1995.

His resume also included doing play-by-play for the Celtics, Bruins, Patriots and Red Sox.

His son, Gary, also a former Boston TV sportscaster, said, "My father was proud of his versatility. He was a good reporter and a good anchor, and he was most proud of his relationships with the athletes he covered because he felt there was mutual respect. He understood that they operated in a unique environment."

A US Navy veteran, Mr. Gillis was on board the USS Missouri when America accepted the Japanese surrender.

"He wrote the blueprint for local sportscasting, which I use to this very day. He left an enormously large pair of shoes, which I am still trying to fill and he remains the conscience of our sports department," said Mike Lynch, the current WCVB-TV sports anchor.

"A true Boston legend, there was no one better. He leaves a legacy of warmth, humor and mentorship to the many who followed in his footsteps. He will be missed," the station said.