Sam Nover, Longtime WPXI-TV Sports Anchor, Dead At 77

PITTSBURGH, PA - Sam Nover, a sports anchor at WPXI-TV who also spent several years as a network announcer, died Tuesday at his Florida home, the station announced. He was 77.

A Detroit native, Mr. Nover worked in radio in Michigan and North Carolina before beginning his broadcast career at WKBD-TV in Detroit in 1968. He was hired by WPXI (then WIIC) in 1970 as sports anchor/director.

Mr. Nover was hired in the early 1980s to work for NBC but returned to WPXI-TV about two years later and remained there until his retirement in 2001.

“He was a true character—of the sort you don’t find anymore in TV newsrooms,” WPXI news anchor David Johnson recalled in a tweet. “He was a gentleman, but also tough and opinionated. When Sam paid you a compliment, you could take it to the bank.”

Mr. Nover did play-by-play NFL broadcasts for NBC, was the voice of the short-lived Pittsburgh Maulers in the United States Football League and also did TV play-by-play for the Penguins.

Mr. Nover also is known for having conducted the last interview with Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente shortly before the Hall-of-Famer died in a 1972 plane crash.

“We are heartbroken because Sam was a beloved part of our Channel 11 family for so many years,” WPXI anchor Peggy Finnegan stated in a tweet. “A consummate gentleman and perfectionist, Sam awed us with his talent and professionalism.”

Mr. Nover is survived by two daughters, Dana and Molly. Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

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