2 years ago
To the people who watched Tim Russert every Sunday morning, the man behind the Meet the Press desk was a larger than life figure. To the people who knew him best, the broadcaster and author was simply known as 'Tim.'
Russert family friend Mike Shea says Tim was a product of working class South Buffalo who always remembered his roots.
"Did he want to impress his dad? Absolutely," Shea said. "I mean, his father would just glow when Tim called."
Tim's father became a man known by almost as many people when his relationship with the younger Russert was featured in a best-selling book.
Shea was one of the first beside "Big Russ" after he learned of his son's death.
"He called his daughters, he talked to them, he wanted to know if they needed anything," Shea explained. "We attended church earlier today to say some prayers and he is....he's just shocked."
Tim's death seems even more tragic as it falls on Father's Day weekend. He'll also miss another celebration when his Canisius High classmates gather for their 40th reunion next Friday.
"I'm sure he'll be the center of attention and the center of talk even though he won't be there," former classmate Kevin Dillon said.
While Dillon went on to become a State Supreme Court Justice, he says he remembers the day the Jesuits at Canisius referred to Tim only by his last name.
"He was someone that was wonderful to speak to. He got along with everybody. I don't know anyone who didn't like Tim Russert," Dillon said.
Funeral services for Russert in Washington, D.C. are set for this Wednesday. It's unclear if there will be any type of official service in Buffalo.
