SYRACUSE -- Longtime channel 9 fixture Mike Price, known for wearing many hats during his 46 years with the ABC affiliate, has died at the age of 87. The station announced Price's passing on it's 11pm newscast on Wednesday night.
In the 25 years leading up to his retirement in 2008, Price was known for handling the station's nightly "Good News" segment. Before that, other roles included presenting weather forecasts, acting as the children's show and horror movie host "Baron Daemon," (a role that scored him an IMDb page) and Price was also the very first voice heard on "Colorful Channel 9" when it signed on in 1962 from its original studios in the former ShoppingTown Mall.
When Price retired in 2008, the station installed a plaque dedicating its "Mike Price Studio" on Bridge Street in East Syracuse in honor of his 46-year-run with the station.
According to an obituary piece aired on the 11pm newscast, Price was also a 30-year member of the Coast Guard Reserve. At the age of 54, he was called into active duty during the Gulf War.
Among the various accolades he collected throughout his career, Price is among the names you'll find on the Syracuse Press Club's Wall of Distinction at the Oncenter.
Since retiring, Price continued to serve as an ambassador for the station as the "celebrity host" for various "Holiday Vacations" tours advertised on NewsChannel 9. As of this writing, Price is still listed as the host for a 9-day "Lake Superior Splendor" tour set for late July.
Price was reported to be visiting family in Florida when he passed away on Wednesday morning. No word yet on arrangements.