Charlotte broadcasting legend Gerry Vaillancourt died Sunday; he was 72. Vaillancourt, known to listeners as Gerry V, was a former radio host on WBT and ESPN 730 in Charlotte. He was also an analyst for the Charlotte Hornets, and followed the franchise to New Orleans, another city where he established his presence before moving back to the Queen City in 2017.
His daughter told The Charlotte Observer that Vaillancourt died from a heart condition that he was diagnosed with 25 years ago.
“Daddy died peacefully this morning with his daughters at his side,” a Facebook post read. “He truly lived an amazing life and fought hard until the end. I am so grateful we were able to have a full family Thanksgiving with all the grandkids.”
According to NBA.com, Vaillancourt made a mark on the Charlotte sports talk radio scene. He was voted Talk Show Host of the Year in 1998, 1999 and 2000 by Creative Loafing magazine.
“Big prayers up to our pal Gerry V and his family. Gone way too soon,” tweeted former colleague, WBT and WFNZ sportscaster Jim Szoke.
Originally from New York City, Vaillancourt played basketball at Gardner Webb University. He also had coaching stints at Bishop McGinnis H.S. in Winston-Salem, N.C., James Madison University in Virginia, Davidson College, and Appalachian State University.
His daughter posted on Facebook that the family has peace knowing that she was there to comfort him in his final days.
“Our family is devastated, but we will honor his memory by living life the way he did – with chuckles and grins, positivity and always chasing our crazy,” the post read.
