Stan Savran, a Cleveland native who became a beloved and respected figure in the Pittsburgh sports media, died on June 12, 2023, at the age of 76. Savran was known for his honest and insightful commentary on various sports topics, especially the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. He was also a friendly and generous person who enjoyed interacting with his colleagues and fans. Savran’s death left a huge void in the Pittsburgh sports scene, as many people mourned the loss of a legend. But what was Stan Savran’s cause of death? How did he cope with his health issues? And what legacy did he leave behind?
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Savran’s Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Savran announced in 2022 that he was diagnosed with lung cancer, a disease that he had no family history of. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but the cancer spread to other parts of his body. In April 2023, he had to have his foot amputated due to an infection caused by the cancer. Despite the serious challenges, Savran remained optimistic and determined to fight the disease. He also continued to work as much as he could, hosting his radio show on ESPN 970 AM and appearing on various TV programs on AT&T SportsNet.
According to Distractify, Savran likely died due to cancer and the resulting complications. He passed away at his home in Upper St. Clair, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, his son, David, his daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and his grandchildren, Zachary and Samantha.
Savran’s Career and Achievements
Savran began his broadcasting career in Cleveland in the 1970s, working for various radio and TV stations. He moved to Pittsburgh in 1980 and joined WTAE-TV as a sports anchor. He later worked for KDKA-TV and KBL/Prime Sports/Fox Sports Net/AT&T SportsNet as a host and analyst. He also hosted several radio shows on Fox Sports Radio 970 AM and ESPN Radio 1250 AM.
Savran covered all major sports events in Pittsburgh, including the Steelers’ six Super Bowl wins, the Penguins’ five Stanley Cup championships, and the Pirates’ three World Series titles. He was known for his candid and knowledgeable opinions, as well as his witty and humorous style. He was not afraid to criticize or praise players, coaches, or teams based on their performance. He also had a loyal fan base who appreciated his passion and honesty.
Savran received many honors and awards for his work, including being inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Pittsburgh Pirates Media Wall of Fame in 2016. He also won several Emmy Awards and Golden Quill Awards for his TV shows.
Savran’s Impact and Legacy
Savran was more than just a broadcaster; he was also a mentor, a friend, and a role model for many people in the Pittsburgh sports community. He helped many young journalists and broadcasters develop their skills and careers. He also supported many charitable causes and organizations, such as the Mario Lemieux Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Animal Friends.
Savran was widely respected and admired by his peers, colleagues, and competitors. Many prominent figures in the Pittsburgh sports world expressed their condolences and tributes to Savran after his death. They praised him for his professionalism, integrity, generosity, and kindness. They also shared their memories and stories of working with him or being influenced by him.
Savran’s fans also mourned his passing and thanked him for his contributions to the Pittsburgh sports culture. They remembered him for his entertaining and informative shows, his memorable catchphrases, and his genuine love for sports. They also appreciated him for being accessible and engaging with them through phone calls, emails, social media posts, or personal encounters.
Savran’s legacy will live on through his family, friends, colleagues, fans, and the countless hours of audio and video recordings that captured his voice and personality. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest sports broadcasters in Pittsburgh history and a true legend in the industry.
