For the past two weeks, New Orleanians have mourned one of their own original and unique personalities. Bernard “Buddy D” Diliberto Jr. died of a heart attack on Jan. 7 at the age of 73.

Diliberto, a Loyola graduate, earned his Bachelor of Arts in journalism in 1950. He started his career at The Times-Picayune as a sports writer while still attending Loyola. He later became a correspondent for Stars and Stripes during the Korean War. He also served in the Army and earned a purple heart for shrapnel wounds.

Diliberto was known for his ability to tell it like it is. His most passionate subject was the New Orleans Saints and held nothing back when it came time to talk football. In one of his last articles in the Clarion Herald, Diliberto said he felt like he was in the twilight zone because of the Saints’ winning streak the last few games of December. He said the Saints had taken on “a new energy since being put on life support machines.”

It was on his “Sports Talk with Buddy D” show where Diliberto and Saints fans created a platform where they could release shared frustrations about the team and its performances.

Diliberto was a New Orleans icon as everyone growing up in New Orleans knew his name as well as his voice.

He started the trend of Saints fans wearing bags on their heads when he donned a paper bag during the Saints’ 1-15 season in 1980. He also promised to wear a dress if the Saints ever went to the Super Bowl.

In a statement issued by Saints owner Tom Benson, Diliberto was called the Saints’ harshest critic and most ardent supporter.

He was not only a famous commentator but also an award-winning journalist. He was named Sportscaster of the Year 13 times in Louisiana. He served as sports director and anchor for WVUE-TV as well as WDSU-TV. He is also a member of the Louisiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Diliberto is survived by his wife and four children.

Anita Oubre can be reached at [email protected].