Yogi Berra Was The Most 'Compassionate, Generous' Person, Family Says
MONTCLAIR, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Yogi Berra's genuine personality and compassion were among the reasons he was so loved and respected, his family said Thursday.
At a remembrance at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, Berra's sons and granddaughter shared their memories of the Yankees' quotable Hall of Fame catcher, who died of natural causes Tuesday night at age 90.
MORE: Yogi Berra Photos | Top 10 'Yogisms'
His son Dale told the story about when Berra was fired as Yankees manager during a 1985 road trip. "Ninety-nine percent of other managers and coaches, when they're fired from their job, they separate themselves," Dale said.
Yogi Berra Was Most 'Compassionate, Generous' Person, Family Says
But not Berra. Instead, he took the team bus to the airport, "got off at the United Airlines curb and waved goodbye to the team," said Dale, who played for the Yankees, Pirates and Astros.
The team then "stood up and cheered for him," his son said.
The word "humble" kept coming up in the family's hourlong talk Thursday
"He was the most normal, accessible, authentic, comfortable, compassionate, generous person you will ever meet," said granddaughter Lindsay Berra, a columnist for MLB.com.
A private funeral service will be held for Berra on Tuesday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Montclair. The museum, located on the campus of Montclair State University, will hold a public memorial next Thursday.
The Yankees will pay tribute to the 10-time World Series champion and 18-time all-star when they host the White Sox on Thursday night. Yankees players will wear a patch bearing Berra's No. 8 on their sleeves.
