Covered Buffalo sports on radio and tv in WNY for more than 33 years
The Erie County Legislature paid tribute today to longtime Buffalo Sportscaster Howard Simon, who recently signed off from his morning host duties at WGR-550 after 19 years there and nearly 34 years covering Buffalo sports in Western New York.
Erie County Legislator Chris Greene (6th District) in presenting the proclamation said Simon has been a constant with Buffalo sports fans who he shared all the highs and lows, the thrills and heartache that come with rooting on our local teams.
“Howard knows what it’s like to experience the excitement that comes with going to the playoffs, Super Bowl, or Stanley Cup Finals. He also knows what it’s like to experience the heartbreak when our teams fall short. He’s gone through that journey with us for decades, and it’s part of what makes him connect in a special way with fans,” said Legislator Greene.
Howard Simon was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. He first came to Buffalo as a student in 1980 at what was then Buffalo State College. Simon worked in Elmira, New York, and Toledo, Ohio as a news and traffic reporter and disc jockey before returning to Western New York to cover his passion; sports. Simon has worked at WJJL, WBEN, Empire Sports Network and WGR-550 and has covered the Buffalo Bills, Sabres, Bandits, and Bisons, as well as local college athletics. He and wife, Joann live in Amherst where they raised their son, Jonathan, who now works for the New York Yankees.
“As players and coaches changed, Simon has been a constant in local sports. He embodies all that is special and good about the connection we feel to our teams. He has always shown great respect for the fans,” said Legislator Greene.
Simon turned off the microphone for the last time on March 3. He says while he is leaving his career as a sports talk show host, he looks forward to exploring new opportunities.
