Jean Giambrone, often called Rochester's "First Lady of Sports" passed away this week at the age of 91. Giambrone was a long-time sportswriter at the Rochester Times Union, a position she secured after presenting herself to the sports editor in the early 1940s complaining that there was not enough coverage of women's sports.
She was offered an opportunity to write about a women's bowling tournament and then was given a job on the staff of the newspaper.
Giambrone continued to break down barriers during her career. In 1967, she was the first female reporter to be granted full credentials to cover the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. She had earned the respect of golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Giambrone was also active in the Rochester community, establishing a golf tournament for the Mary Cariola Children's Center and also an annual luncheon to honor local female athletes at the high school, college and professional level.
Jean Giambrone will be laid to rest on Monday following a funeral mass at St. Ambrose Church.