When you go to Heaven after you die, tell St. Peter you're a Saints fan. He'll say, 'C'mon in, I don't care what else you done, you suffered enough.' -- Buddy D, "The Point After," 10-03-04
Buddy Diliberto, the voice of the New Orleans Saints, has passed away at the age of 73. Buddy D was the most important and recognizable radio sports commentator in this great city's history. His broadcasts, delivered in his quintessential New Orleans dialect and peppered with bizarre linguistic pecadilloes, connected deeply to generations of residents, including this listener, throughout his 50 years of passionate analysis. Saints football will be a worse place without you Buddy.
Dictionary concessions in heaven instantly become a growth industy...Ironically, he passes away the same day Haslett gets a new deal. I wonder if there is a connection? RIP Buddy. We will miss you.
Posted by: Eric | January 08, 2005 at 07:35 PM
What I liked about Buddy Diliberto that he understood Saints fans. The best part about a Saints loss is to hear Buddy D on his show, The Point After. I hope New Orleans some how honors their own, Buddy D!
Posted by: Christopher | January 08, 2005 at 10:06 PM
Ohhhh BuddyD I come back to NOLA to find out this... Rest in Peace... Who Dat !!!
Posted by: Chomps | January 11, 2005 at 11:31 PM
Hey Buddy, how bout dem tigahs!?
Posted by: oscar | January 11, 2005 at 11:48 PM
Marty Blake, the super scout of the NBA, passed along his expertise to practically every one of New Orleans' broadcasting outlets before Wednesday's draft. But he had a moment of trepidation when asked to go on WWL-radio with Buddy D. Kenny Wilkerson, Diliberto's right-hand man, called Blake to ask if he was willing. Sure, he was, the amiable Blake said before asking with whom he would be on.
"Buddy," answered Wilkerson.
"Buddy? Buddy Diliberto?" Blake responded. "Will this interview be in English?"
Posted by: R.B. | February 09, 2005 at 08:55 AM
I loved buddy. When we learned of his death my 10 year old son cried. He had attended several weekday shows at local restaurants. My sons concern was attending his funeral, his family and who could possibly replace him. Given my boys sentiments, I can only imagine how long time listeners and lovers of Buddy must feel. It will be a strange 2005 season without him.
Posted by: Bryan | July 20, 2005 at 12:37 PM
Buddy D. was my boyfriend's grandfather and we all love him dearly...<3
Posted by: Alexa | March 06, 2006 at 08:25 AM
Served in Korea with Buddy in 1952 & 1953. Saw him in the MASH Hospital after he was wounded. Many happy memories. He visited me in Boston some 3 years ago, after 42 years of not seeing each other.
A world class guy and character.
Bob Boris
Posted by: bob boris | June 03, 2006 at 10:15 AM
Buddy, it's been over 4 years since you went to the big Saints team in the sky. My thoughts are of you as the Saints get ready to start the 2009 regular season.
Keep pulling strings for us up there!
Posted by: John S | August 31, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Buddy D could slaughter the English language like nobody's business. Part of his charm for sure. We will never see such a wonderful character as Buddy. He was one of us. A true part of the community. He is fondly remembered and dearly miseed.
We Miss You Buddy,
The Squirrels
Posted by: Chris Bangs | November 08, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Buddy D,
Now this surely is hard to imagine 11-0!!!! I hope you are enjoying this seeing this is what you wished for your entire life.
Who Dat,
Burky
Posted by: Chris | December 02, 2009 at 08:41 AM
I hope Buddy can find a nice dress to wear in heaven.
WHO DAT!?!
Posted by: pac522 | December 06, 2009 at 07:51 PM
Saints in the SUPERBOWL!!! WHO DAT!!!
Posted by: Nate P | January 24, 2010 at 11:30 PM
buddy me and miss polly will be at the super bowl with your picture with us in the stands. this bowl for you.
Posted by: dylan james stansbury | January 30, 2010 at 04:52 PM