RIP Frank Olivo

quote:

---

A South Philadelphia native, Mr. Olivo, known as "Frankie," was a barber, worked for years in the casino industry in Atlantic City, sold cars, and was in the mortgage business.

But the infamous - and unexpected - role the 19-year-old Bishop Neumann High School graduate played one snowy day at Franklin Field in December 1968, when the Eagles lost to the Minnesota Vikings, tagged him for life and made him a Philadelphia icon.

"It made the national network, for crying out loud," said Richard Monastra, a cousin who was in the stands. He watched as angry Eagles fans let loose what he called a "tsunami of snowballs" when Mr. Olivo walked the length of the field with the cheerleaders at halftime as loudspeakers played "Here Comes Santa Claus."

Former Gov. Ed Rendell, who was at the game, said Friday night, "He is indelibly etched in Philadelphia sports history. For as long as there is professional football, the story of the Eagles fans pelting Santa Claus will always be told."

---