Fan of the Week – 11/21/04 – Joe Michalak

112104Raised in Cheektowaga and educated at Sloan Vocational High School, Joe, now 78, has been a Bills fan since the franchise formed as part of the AFL in 1960.

He moved to New York City in 1953 to begin a career in journalism, which included nearly 30 years as an education reporter and editor at The New York Times.

Despite his new place of residence, Joe’s loyalty remained to Buffalo as he has been a season ticket holder for many years. A dedicated fan, he also attended the Bills’ first three Super Bowl appearances.

His love for football began in 1936 when he saw the  Redskins and Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh play at Civic Stadium in Buffalo. We know it today as The War Memorial or the “Rockpile.”

The Bills/Rams game marked Joe’s first experience with the Bills Backers, thanks to member Liz Marshall, who brought her great uncle to the bar when she learned he wasn’t feeling well enough to travel to Orchard Park.