(AP) -- Ernie Salvatore, whose career as a writer, editor and sports columnist in Huntington spanned nearly 60 years, has died at age 87.

The Herald-Dispatch said Salvatore died Friday at his Huntington home.

The native of Greenwich, Conn., worked for the Herald-Advertiser and later the Herald-Dispatch. Herald-Dispatch executive editor Ed Dawson called Salvatore a mentor to generations of journalists.

In April 2008 the press box at Marshall's football stadium was named in Salvatore's honor. Interim Athletic Director David Steele said Friday Salvatore was a part of the Marshall family.

Salvatore had a role in the 2006 Warner Brothers film "We are Marshall." his character was played by actor Mark Oliver.

(Copyright 2009 By The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)