May God bless you and your...
Valenda Newell
December 04, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
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Tony Verna
1933 - 2015 (Age 81)
About
AGE
81
Obituary
PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) - Tony Verna, a television director and producer who invented instant replay for live sports 51 years ago, has died. He was 81.
Verna died Sunday at his Palm Desert home after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia, daughter Tracy Soiseth said.
CBS used instant replay for the first time in the Dec. 7, 1963 Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia, after Verna developed a method to cue the tape to pinpoint the play he wanted to immediately air again. He said he was looking for a way to fill those boring gaps between plays during a football telecast.
The concept was so new that when Army quarterback Rollie Stichweh scored a touchdown, announcer Lindsey Nelson had to warn viewers: "This is not live! Ladies and gentlemen, Army did not score again!"
Instant replay quickly became a staple of sports broadcasting, and Verna's innovation gave fans a new way to look at the games.
"Not many things you can do in life w here you can change the way things were happening before," Verna told The Associated Press in 2008.
Verna would go on to produce or direct five Super Bowls, the Olympics, the Kentucky Derby and even "Live Aid."
His lasting legacy, though, is pulling back the curtain on sports and revealing what really goes on.
Verna is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol, daughters Tracy Soiseth and Jenny Axelrod, son Eric Verna and three grandchildren.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Guest Book
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Husband and father. We just can't know the sorrow that you bear, but God knows and he promises to be close to the brokenhearted. So pour out your feelings to the God who promises to comfort your heart
LCC
January 26, 2015
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I'm sorry for the loss of Tony Verna. Please accept my condolences. As a frequent viewer of sporting events, I'm thankful that his innovative mind increased our enjoyment of entertainment that he helped bring to our homes. He will surely be missed. May God Almighty give you a measure of peace to cope with grief associated with your loss~Rom. 15:33.
LA Washington DC
January 25, 2015
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rip
michelle plakas-kaiser
January 22, 2015 | Mehlingen, Germany
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It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Ps. 55:22
January 22, 2015 | Ellenwood, GA
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Carol: I am so sad. I can't believe he is gone. I had no idea that he was so sick. We all loved him and will miss him
My love to you. Call me when things settle down. love, Barbara Roche
January 21, 2015
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My sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and uncle. I recently came across a picture of him with his brother, Sevy, me and Eric taken at JFK Stadium in 1985. He was quite an accomplished and genuinely nice man!
The Rev. Kathleen Murray
Kathleen Murray
January 21, 2015 | Keansburg, NJ
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To the family of I send my sincere condolences. During this difficult time I hope you draw comfort from the GOD of comfort. JAMES 4.8.
January 21, 2015
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We all need to see a tony replay... Rest in peace..
January 19, 2015
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