Jean Giambrone, a groundbreaking figure in women's sports journalism in our area, and nationwide, has died. She died at Unity Hospital Monday morning after a short illness. She was 91.

The Irondequoit resident was a sportswriter at the now-defunct Times Union in Rochester for about 40 years. Former WHAM 1180 Sales Manager Dan Guilfoyle knew Giambrone for many years, and recalls how Giambrone felt it was unfair the local paper wasn't doing much coverage on women's sports.

She pressed officials at the newspaper, and they gave her a newspaper column. Guilfoyle was also involved in organizing the Sportswomen's Luncheon in Rochester, which used to be sponsored by WHAM 1180, and that was also set up to bring recognition to local female athletes.

Guilfoyle says Giambrone was the first woman reporter in the press tent at the Master's tournament.