Nick Piccone
Damn it, Howard. Of all people in the city, you’re the one supposed to hold it together. Lucy Noland of FOX 29 puts it aptly:
“I thought I was going to make it. The end just got me…”
Howard Eskin had just choked up, teared up while I sat next to him on the set during FOX 29 News at 6. He was sharing his thoughts on air about his long-time friend, founder of the Philadelphia Flyers, Ed Snider when the gravity of what has happened overpowered Howard. That one raw, pure moment sums up the impact Mr. Snider made on not only my colleague Howard, but on the City of Brotherly Love.
He transformed this city– from its gritty streets where youth hockey now gives young people hope to the bright lights of South Philly’s sports complex where the Flyers are helping a lot of us forget our day-to-day challenges as we focus on Lord Stanley’s Cup, yet again.
Beyond Howard’s eloquent words, Howard’s raw emotion shows the depth of Ed Snider’s impact on Philadelphians—even on tough guys (but especially on tough guys with big hearts).
“You know, I saved his last text message to me,” Howard told me after the show then added, “I always will.”
Ed Snider passed away on April 11th, 2016 at the age of 83.
Here’s Eskin’s tribute to Snider last night:
https://www.facebook.com/LucyNoland/videos/1033757710039819/