Long-time Giants beat writer Ernie Palladino dies at 63

NEW YORK (AP) - Ernie Palladino, a sports writer who covered the New York Giants for more than 20 years of a journalistic career that spanned almost four decades, has died. He was 63.

Palladino, who wrote two books, including one that focused on Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry launching their coaching careers working for the Giants, died on Saturday after fighting cancer for more than a decade.

After attending Fordham University, Palladino began his career with the Journal News in Westchester 38 years ago. He also was a blogger, teacher and freelance writer for many newspapers and organizations, including The Associated Press.

Palladino never hesitated to take young writers under his wing, showing them the ropes and sharing information to help them out.

"In what could be a very cold, sink-or-swim, you're-on-your-own kind of business, Ernie was the first one to reach out and be your friend and remain your friend," tweeted Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant, who covered the Giants for a period starting in 1992.

Palladino is survived by his wife, three children and a recently born granddaughter.

A wake will be held at the Martin Hughes Funeral Home in Staten Island on Tuesday. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church in Staten Island.

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