Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Bert Sugar Obituary
Jennifer Frawley, Sugar's daughter, said his wife, Suzanne, was by his side when he died at Northern Westchester Hospital. Sugar also had been battling lung cancer.
"Just his intelligence and his wit and his sense of humor," Frawley said when asked what she will remember about her father. "He was always worried about people. He was always helping people."
Sugar was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005. According to the hall's website, Sugar wrote more than 80 books, including "The 100 Greatest Boxers Of All Time." He also appeared in a handful of films, including "The Great White Hype" starring Samuel Jackson.
"Around ringside, it's not going to be the same with Bert not there," said Jack Hirsch, the president of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Sugar was born in Washington, D.C., in 1937. He graduated from Maryland and went to law school at Michigan. He passed the bar in his hometown and worked in advertising in New York City before he got into writing in the 1970s.
"Bert was obviously a showman in the way he did things outwardly, very flamboyant, but in quiet moments I found him to be an extremely modest individual," Hirsch said.
Frawley said arrangements for a memorial service are still pending and anyone wishing to honor Sugar should make a donation to the boxing hall.
"He was really a brilliant man," she said.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
139 Entries
Harry Simpson
March 25, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rick Kulis
November 13, 2012
From our first meeting at the Ali-Burbick fight, to our last long phone conversation together and everything in between, I will always be grateful I knew you.
God Bless You and Keep You.
Leslie Jones
July 17, 2012
Love you Dad....
How you can show support
July 17, 2012
a real library of knowledge Rip bert
Delbert Lawrence
April 7, 2012
I knew nothing of boxing until I heard Burt speak
Don Gandy
April 7, 2012
By pure chance, I got to spend about 2 hours in the MGM cigar bar with Bert. We talked about boxing and, after he found out I was also a lawyer, we talked law. He was clearly one of the most interesting men I've ever met. I was saddened to hear of his passing and send my best wishes to his family.
john conley
April 5, 2012
I meet him on Ellis island when he recieved the Ellis island award had my picture taken with him very nice man
John Eckert
April 1, 2012
It was an absolute honor to know you.I will never forget your wit. It will not be the same place,without being able to speak with you. Thank you my friend, for participating in the "Armed Forces Boxing Championships" for me. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. You will never be forgotten!
MsChea Saschea
April 1, 2012
I met him a couple of times while in the modeling world. A nice man. R.I.P.
maurice vidowsky
March 31, 2012
I was alsways hoping to run into him and talk boxing he knew it all,
March 31, 2012
In times of sorrow may we rely upon the "Hearer of prayer". (Pealms 65:2) Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sugar family.
Linda
March 31, 2012
With deepest sympathy. May the peace of God that excels all thought be with you.
Devon
March 31, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Donald Watts
March 30, 2012
What a class guy,his documentaries of the hevyweight division of Ali Frazier was something I will never forget. Donald Watts.Pittsburgh Pa
Jim McGlew
March 30, 2012
I met him only once, but will always remember BERT SUGAR.
Tom Hilligan
March 30, 2012
I'll never forget joining Bert to go from the U of M Law School to the '59 World Series in Chicago. Typical of Bert, he sent his Suzie a telegram saying: "Having wonderful time--wish you were her!" He was a guy not easily forgotten and he will be missed.
Michael Gaffney
March 29, 2012
Bert famous for his prolific writing, Fedora hat, and a big cigar is known and loved by so many for the kindest heart you could ever know. He wrote the Foreword to my book when he was very sick out of his love for Ali and to help a rookie writer. Thoughtfully, he told me, "Put my name on the cover if you think it will help." I did Bert and thank you. I love and will miss you always..you made this world a better place.
Tommy S
March 29, 2012
May you rest in peace Burt. Loved listening to you talk about boxing, no one did it like you. You are now with Auturo Gatti
Dwayne Richardson
March 29, 2012
Mr Sugar came across as a very nice human being.And in this world of today that's saying some thing.Too his family I personally will miss his charm and humor.
Sheila Gerard
March 29, 2012
I met Sugar as I called him, while working at Major League Baseball. Always smiling, always with a one liner. Today,I am sad as I look back on those great days, it really was a great time in life!. We loss two special members of the MLB family this year, Bert Sugar and Marty Springstead. I will always remember them fondly.
Robert Brizel
March 29, 2012
A friend and true gentleman....his presence and bright personality will be greatly missed....Robert Brizel of Saddobxing
March 29, 2012
I never met him; but like millions of other people, I felt like I knew him. And for that reason, I will miss him.
Jimmy Firimonte
March 29, 2012
I met Bert Many years ago when I first became a member of the IVBA Ring 30 in New Rochelle, NY. He was a great guy and will be missed by all.
March 28, 2012
bert sugar was a great student of boxing and boxing history.i usually agreed with his ranking of the greatest fighters of all time.he will be missed.charles e donegan washington dc a fellow lawyer
March 28, 2012
My condolences for your loss. May you have comfort in prayer at this time of bereavement. Psalms 65:2
Eloise
March 28, 2012
Bert was a kind friend with a generous spirit. Always so much fun! He was Mr. Electricity - The life of the party. He knew sports/boxing like no one else. He gave great advice and was always ready to listen or help. I will miss him and all of the advice throughout the years. Over 20 years ago when I was finishing college, he encouraged me to attend law school. I did. As a young attorney, he allowed me to "trail" him at boxing matches in Las Vegas to see the action up close. He introduced me to the world of boxing and the excitement of a Championship Fight! He told everyone that I was his attorney. Imagine... I was a 25 year old kid! He was so encouraging.... So supportive of my career. I will miss him so much. Thank you Sugar family for sharing this great man with the world.
March 28, 2012
RIP you'll be missed in the boxing world...
Frank
March 28, 2012
The world will miss Bert as a true gentlemen . I met Bert in Las Vegas at a prefight party prior to the Tommy Morison Vs. George Foreman fight. He shared many old stories with me , including stories about Rocky Marciano. R.I.P. Bert you will be missed by all boxing fans all over the world.
March 28, 2012
The sport of boxing will not be the same without Bert Sugar. I will miss the hat and cigar. When you saw Mr Sugar at a fight, you knew it was an big event. God Bless you.
Ron Lacanfora
March 28, 2012
Use to love to see the icon out in Vegas at the fights very eloquent man never be another Rip
harry & vicki
March 28, 2012
may you rest in peace mr.sugar.you were the best boxing writer ever,and if you wrote it I beieved it! god bless your family.
Thad Zale
March 28, 2012
Dear Family: We are greatly saddened by Bert's passing! We first met him back in the 1990's at the International Boxing Hall of Fame and enjoyed every minute of his story telling and his wonderful personality. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you and his spirit always. When we were with him last June at the Hall of Fame, we never imagined this would be our last on this side! God Bless you Bert and your wonderful family, The Tony Zale Family
Tony Zale II
March 28, 2012
May God rest your soul and your family be comforted by the memories of your great character. Your spirit will be missed Bert, may your works of greatness live forever.
Mary Fris
March 28, 2012
I met Bert at Barbara Bachman's dad's funeral in Chappaqua, 2008. I didn't have a clue as to who he was but he made me laugh my head off with his story telling. Reminded me of an uncle who was just as colorful. What a guy! Hate to see him go; the end of an era.
John
March 28, 2012
I always loved seeing and hearing him. He's true Americana.
March 28, 2012
Know that God cares for you. Romans !5:33
Travis Newsome
March 28, 2012
Hi Bert! It's me, Travis. I'll miss our long conversations about boxing, football, baseball and baking. Out of all of the aforementioned, who would have ever thunk you would have been the one responsible for my starting a bakery out of my home? We were supposed to catch up on Sunday (03/25/12) when I was in NYC, but I had gotten the news about your passing and it ruined my vacation. I'll miss you my man. I'm only forty, but I'll be seeing you.
alex Pinnix
March 28, 2012
Bert i have so many thoughts when i think of you from the boxing hall of fame every year after year and when you came down to hang out with me and the kids and that long drive taking you home and you driven me crazy but making me stay on my toes i well all ways keep me in my heart with laughter well see you Saturday and show my last respect
March 27, 2012
MR.Sugar,My buddy tom and i met you at at a gin mill in grand c station n.y. You did not know us from atom, just a couple of regular joes. you did not care and you told us wonderfull stories after another! your train came, but you bought another round and said i will get the next train. Two hours later, more storys! thanks for your time. What a great afternoon! God bless! Native new yorkers, Rick Donovan- Tom harvey.
March 27, 2012
May the family of Bert Sugar be comforted by the words at Philippians 4:6-7 during this time of sorrow.
Candace Toft
March 27, 2012
Bert Sugar was such a dear. He didn't know me from Adam when I asked if he would write the Foreword for my biography of Ron Lyle. He not only wrote the Foreword, he edited the whole manuscript, including giving me a lesson on commas (" Did you go to a fire sale?")
- Candace Toft (Susanville, CA)
Steven H Dandridge
March 27, 2012
He was wonderful in camara
He will be missed
We pray for the sugar family
MICKEYO
March 27, 2012
BURT ,
GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR TALENTS..LEAVING US AT YOUR YOUNG AGE !
THAT HAND OF YOURS WAS NOT ONLY USED FOR CIGAR TOKIN , BUT FOR CLASSIC SPORTS WRITING .
THANKS FOR ALL PIPING ROCK GOLF CHARITY MEMORIES W THE CHAPDELAINE GANG OVER THE MANY YEARS ( see the enclosed photo of a few moments together ) .
THE NYC BARS MISS YOU ALREADY W YOUR ADVENTURES ON LIFE , NOT JUST SPORTS ...
TRUST ME : I SPEAK FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED CLOSE BUDDIES OF MINE/YOURS AROUND OUR NY AREA ... NOW YOU CAN PLAY OUR GREAT GOLF GAME IN PEACE .
MICKEY O'GRADY
NYC
MICKEYO
March 27, 2012
BURT ,
GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR TALENTS..LEAVING US AT YOUR YOUNG AGE !
THAT HAND OF YOURS WAS NOT ONLY USED FOR CIGAR TOKIN , BUT FOR CLASSIC SPORTS WRITING .
THANKS FOR ALL PIPING ROCK GOLF CHARITY MEMORIES W THE CHAPDELAINE GANG OVER THE MANY YEARS ( see the enclosed photo of a few moments together ) .
THE NYC BARS MISS YOU ALREADY W YOUR ADVENTURES ON LIFE , NOT JUST SPORTS ...
TRUST ME : I SPEAK FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED CLOSE BUDDIES OF MINE/YOURS AROUND OUR NY AREA ... NOW YOU CAN PLAY OUR GREAT GOLF GAME IN PEACE .
MICKEY O'GRADY
NYC
stan weinberg
March 27, 2012
so sorry about BERT, we would hanf out at penn bowling alley in d.c. and go to the silver spring hot shoppe and galatin st hot shoppe on fridays. i have a photo of us and as usual bert had his signature bow tie on. we will miss him. stan wei8nberg centreville,md
Diane Schacht
March 27, 2012
Bert Sugar was a legend and an icon and there won't be another one like him. His ability to make the sport of boxing come alive and give it a completely different, human perspective both on film and in print was, is and will be a gift forever. May Mr Sugar's family receive some comfort from seeing how many millions of people he affected. With respect and sympathy, Diane S. (NYC)
March 27, 2012
To the family. Losing someone who has being a part of your life for so many years must be very difficult. May it help to ease the hurt you feel now to know that others care and are thinking of you at this sad time. With deepest sympathy. - Psalms 61:3
Richard Joselit
March 27, 2012
My friend it was a great honor to have known you.i can see you and Jose Torres writing another great book
RIP
Richard Joselit
March 27, 2012
My friend it was a great honor to have known you.i can see you and Jose Torres writing another great book
RIP
Hank Pietrani
March 27, 2012
Every once in a while,,, we have a 'brush' with greatness.
One of mine was Bert!!
Bert Randolph Sugar was a character's character!!. He was a frequent customer at my restaurant , and we developed quite a friendship. , I had been to his offices next to Madison Square Garden on several occasions,, and once we went to lunch [ without a reservation],, to his fave place, and they actually MOVED two people AND their lunch from a table , so he and i could sit at his favorite table. .
He traveled with some big names,and he was the first to drop those names, but not bragadociously,, thats just the way it was. It would be not uncommon for me to get a phone call from Bert,, at 3Am when it was midnight in LA,,, and tell me he was taking a break from playing poker with Diniro,,,,, or Jimmy the Greek.
His cigar ,hat, and that amazing personality lit up every room he ever walked into in a matter of seconds.
Above all, Bert was always a gentleman.
Im proud to have known him,, and proud to have had the opportunity to have him call me 'friend'
richard mchugh
March 27, 2012
a true sportsman.........a funny guy.....a great writer. he was wonderful on camera. we pray for the sugar family.
Al
March 27, 2012
Bert had a wonderful TV persona. His knowledge of the sport of boxing and his easy ability to communicate his thoughts made for many brilliant commentaries and conversations. I also love his book- The 100 Greatest.... He became a legend teaching us about other legends, that's cool.
My condolences to his loved ones.
March 27, 2012
R.I.P.
Pearl Lopez` Delgado
March 27, 2012
Rest in peace
Condolences to his
Family~Thankyou Bert
You will be missed
Many years of Boxing
fame wall of History
In memory of a
Legend
BertSugar
March 27, 2012
To Suzanne and the family: Bert was bigger than life, even growing up in D.C. Although Bert's sphere covered the globe, he loved sharing stories about your family, and keeping in touch with old friends. Wherever he was, it was a celebration. Our thoughts are with you, Bobbie and Curly Greenebaum
Jose Alvarez
March 27, 2012
Hey Sugar---Thank you for all your articles and Boxing comments. It was great listen to you talking about boxing.
March 27, 2012
He will be deeply missed. Romans 15:33
March 27, 2012
RIP Bert. A true original with a great wit. He will be missed.
tim carpenter
March 27, 2012
rest in peace
Louis K
March 27, 2012
met with Mr Sugar many times at the legendary Blue Horizon,God Bless..
March 27, 2012
My condolences to the family. May the God
of tender mercies bring you peace.
Mark Palmer
March 27, 2012
R.I.P. to Bert Sugar, one of the last of the legends of boxing.
Jerry Wiorek
March 26, 2012
I use to watch Boxing all the time in the 70's. After that, I had not anymore. But I did continue to watch You through the years talking of Boxing, all the time on the tube, since the 70's. You Knew your Boxing Stuff! That's why when I did see you on TV, I watched you! Compared to other commentators today in this age, they can Never compare to you, Bert. I will always remember your Knowledge and Love for Boxing. Thank You for being a part of my Life, as well as my History. And Thanks for being You.
ruben castaneda
March 26, 2012
i met bert in vegas,read a few of his books,he loved boxing,as a former fighter i loved the man he will be missed in the boxing community.....R.I.P. bert sugar boxing lost a great talent.
ladara battle
March 26, 2012
Never forgotten
Bob Hartman
March 26, 2012
As knowledgeable as Nat Fleisher from "Ring Magazine" if not more so.We will miss him terribly. Loved Bert's sense of humor,intelligence, and insight of the "Sweet Science". RIP,my friend.
Katelyn & Chris Bowers
March 26, 2012
Bert, we'll always remember you. You gave my family many laughs and memories each year at the Hall of Fame with your traditional funky pants, cigars, hats, and jokes, we'll miss you dearly.
jeff johnson
March 26, 2012
i was lucky enough to talk to bert on the phone a few times he will be missed by everyone burt was a credit to his race the human race
March 26, 2012
MR SUGAR WAS DEFINATELY ONE OF THE LAST CLASSIC MEN LEFT FROM BOXING. I ENJOYED WATCHING HIM ON TELEVISION. THANK YOU MR.SUGAR FOR ALL THE MEMORIES ANDY PORTER FORT MYERS FLORIDA
Mike Devine
March 26, 2012
Bert Sugar, a great voice at Ringside. A voice that will be missed.
Susan
March 26, 2012
God bless the Sugar family during their time of grief and sorrow.
March 26, 2012
My heart goes out to the Sugar family who have experienced a terrible loss. Bert Sugar was a great man. Trust in God to carry you through your grief. Ps. 116:15
March 26, 2012
great friend of tv boxing will miss al harris nc
Ron Betts
March 26, 2012
We have lost a true icon and story teller.I will miss hearing him tell us his life experiences on our local sports station every friday.My prayers go out to the family and thank you for sharing him with us
Henry Doering
March 26, 2012
I was honored to work with Bert and The Amazing Randi on their terrific book on Harry Houdini as a copyeditor at Grosset & Dunlap in the 1970s. Bert was a colorful character, a great writer and a really nice man. My sympathy to the family.
CHARLES JOHNSON
March 26, 2012
MAY GOD CARRY YOU ON THE GREAT JOURNEY
Bea
March 26, 2012
Offering my deepest condolences to the Sugar family. -Philippians 4:6, 7
March 26, 2012
Bert was always a pleasure to listen to. Boxing fans will be among those that miss him terribly.
My condolence to the family from
just another average guy that
Mitchell Maslin
March 26, 2012
We have lost a modern day figure from an era long gone. We will miss your wit, vibrancy and character Bert but your memory will live on forever. You were a one of a kind my friend!
March 26, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.
March 26, 2012
My condolences to the family. May your fond memories of him bring you peace as well as the comfort that our heavenly father gives.
March 26, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Sugar family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Rich Schwartz
March 26, 2012
Bert, you were one of a kind....and one of the greatest friend to the sport of boxing. I always enjoyed speaking with you, either up in Canastota, at the I.B.H.O.F., press conferences or weigh-ins. What I liked about you most, was that you had the utmost respect of anyone who laced up a pair of gloves and walked up those three steps into the ring to do battle, be they an amateur, a kid making his pro debut or the heavyweight champion of the world. Rest in peace, Bert, and when you get up there to that ring in the sky, say hello to Arthur Mercante, Gil Clancy, Ron Lyle, Joe Frazier and Angelo Dundee for me. Rich Schwartz, N.Y.
Richard Bennett
March 26, 2012
I met Bert in Canastota n.y. A true gentleman. Rest in peace.
EDWARD KEETON
March 26, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Suzanne Rust
March 26, 2012
My stepmother Patty and I were honored to have met Bert. He and my father, Art Rust Jr., were colleagues and great friends. He was an amazing man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I'm sure that Bert, Art, and Bill Gallo are up there talking sports! Bless them all.
Suzanne Rust
Tracy freeland
March 26, 2012
It was always a pleasure speaking to you whether it was over the phone or face to face. You were so gracious, kind and your knowledge of boxing was truly amazing, you will be sadly missed! Thank you for all the laughs! God Bless.
Charles Wood
March 26, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sugar several times. He was a gentleman, a scholar/historian of boxing and baseball, and had razor sharp wit. Deepest condolences to his family. My signed picture of him and me will forever hang in my "man cave."
Benn Schulberg
March 26, 2012
I will treasure our talk last week and the many wonderful memories we had together at ringside and beyond. You will always be "Uncle Bert" to me. I'm going to miss you terribly. Now you'll have your old pal, my father, next to you for all time at that ringside table in the sky.
My mother and I send your family our deepest sympathies and love. We know how hard this is and our hearts go out to you.
Love to you all,
Benn
Albert Grinton
March 26, 2012
Wonderful memories of a year in Ann Arbor living in a fraternity house with warm, colorful and dynamic Bert together with his pet mutt, "Ron Collie".
Skip, "Albie" Grinton, Green Valley, AZ
Penny Sacco
March 26, 2012
Bert will be best remembered telling his marvelous stories with such humor and empathy for others. In my mind the signature fedora, cigar, and cutty sark will long be cherished. We had so many wonderful talks. He will be sorely missed by his bar buddies and friends in chappequa. Penny and John Sacco
March 26, 2012
Wonderful memories of a year in Ann Arbor living in a fraternity house with warm, colorful and dynamic Bert together with his pet mutt, "Ron Collie".
Skip, "Albie" Grinton, Green Valley, AZ
Stephen Mead
March 26, 2012
In boxing, his intelligence, wisdom, knowledge, humor & brightness will be a great loss-thank God for his books & videos to cherish. Heartfelt sorrow & warmth to his family & friends.
Stephen Mead
Langhorne, PA
Tracy freeland
March 26, 2012
It was always a pleasure speaking to you whether it was over the phone or face to face. You were so gracious, kind and your knowledge of boxing was truly amazing, you will be sadly missed! Thank you for all the laughs! God Bless.
Freddy
March 26, 2012
I measure my own aging by the list of my heros that are leaving for a better place. I believe that we will all meet again, and in a place where there is no pain, no suffering, and no 'ten count'.
Rest in the Arms of the Lord, Bert.
March 26, 2012
So sorry to hear. We had some Great times At UMd. Jim Haley Annapolis, Md
Edward Gutman
March 26, 2012
Bert was a ZBT fraternity brother when he was a freshman at the U of Md and I was a senior. He was a delighful guy and I took such pride in his achievements in the boxing world. He cameq to a ZBT reunion a couple of years ago and it was a pleasure to renew our friendship. So sorry about his passing.
Eddie Gutman
[email protected]
Sparky McDuffie
March 26, 2012
RIP Bert
Showing 1 - 100 of 139 results
Make a Donation
in Bert Sugar's name
How to support Bert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bert Sugar's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored