PITTSBURGH -- Myron Cope, the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers radio announcer, died at a Mount Lebanon nursing home on Wednesday after a long battle with various health problems. He was 79.

"It's always a sad day when a member of the Steeler family is gone, and he was such an important member," said Bill Hillgrove, Cope's radio partner, upon hearing the news. "I'm sure people feel like flying flags at half-staff. He was a source of so much fun and so many good times, and of course, he was a personal friend of mine. I feel the loss, but he also makes me want to smile."

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Born Myron Sydney Kopelman in Pittsburgh, Cope worked Steelers games for 35 years and is the only football commentator in the national Radio Hall of Fame.

"His memorable voice and unique broadcasting style became synonymous with Steelers football," said Steelers President Art Rooney. "They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery and no Pittsburgh broadcaster was impersonated more than Myron. Myron brought Steelers football closer to the fans than any other one person."
VIDEO: Watch Art Rooney's Press Conference

Cope's most memorable catchphrase -- "yoi" (and often, "double yoi") -- left listeners with no doubt that an important play had just occurred. "Mmm-Hah!" and "Okel Dokel" -- which meant "okey dokey" -- were other so-called "Copeisms" that might be heard during exciting moments of a game.

Offbeat stories are plentiful -- like the time when Cope swam the chilly, dirty Monongahela River to celebrate a Steelers victory in the winter of 1977. "The filth in that Mon is foul!," he exclaimed after emerging from the water.

And of course, Cope is credited with inventing the now-famous "Terrible Towel" -- the yellow rags that fans waved during games at Three Rivers Stadium, and now at Heinz Field.

Over the years, those trademarked towels became a worldwide sports phenomenon and raised more than $2 million in funds for Allegheny Valley School. They can often be seen on display in bars, restaurants and apartment windows far away from Pittsburgh.

Just how far-reaching was Cope's fame? As of 2:45 p.m., "Myron Cope" ranked number 3 among Google's 100 hottest search trends. Also on that list was "terrible towel," at number 46. (Click here to see a snapshot.)

After his retirement following the 2004 season, Cope battled pneumonia on and off and was in and out of the hospital. He also underwent throat surgery that required a long recovery.

"Like so many Steeler fans, I grew up listening to Myron Cope and his unforgettable voice and style," said Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. "Myron symbolizes everything that is great about southwestern Pennsylvania, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Today, the entire Steeler Nation mourns the loss of a great man and a great Pittsburgher."
VIDEO: Onorato Talks About Cope

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Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney's Statement:

The entire Steelers organization is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Myron Cope. Myron touched millions of people throughout his life, first as a tremendous sportswriter and then as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.

Myron was also a very close friend. His contributions and dedication to Steelers football were incredible. His creation of The Terrible Towel has developed into a worldwide symbol that is synonymous with Steelers football. He also helped immortalize the most famous play in NFL history when he popularized the term "Immaculate Reception."

Myron was a very passionate person who truly cared about others and dedicated much of his personal time to help numerous charities.

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