Former Penn State play-by-play announcer Fran Fisher passed away on Thursday morning at age 91, his family has announced. Fisher joined the Penn State Football Radio Network in 1966 as a color analyst and was the voice of the Nittany Lions from 1970 through 1982, and then rejoined the broadcast team from 1994 through 1999.

Fisher is forever linked with former head coach Joe Paterno, and provided the play-by-play on his first National Championship in a Sugar Bowl win over Georgia following the 1982 season. For years, Fisher teamed with George Paterno in the booth to provide a unique and passionate view of the game from their vantage point.

Since stepping out of the Beaver Stadium radio booth for good in 1999, Fisher has remained an active presence in the State College community and around the Penn State program. He has been a regular at team events, practices and of course, press conferences. He also had established friendships with head coaches Bill O’Brien and James Franklin.

I lost my hero, mentor and the greatest man I have ever known this morning! Rest in peace Pop, the true Mr. Penn State. — Jerry Fisher (@JerryFisherPSU) May 14, 2015

Sad to hear abt passing of my friend Fran Fisher. His passion for PSU tradition & excellence will continue to inspire pic.twitter.com/6rXr4nNyit — James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) May 14, 2015