Lou Rabito of Media left his mark in both local and regional sports during a career that spanned over three decades. He was an assistant sports editor, news editor, and digital producer at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rabito died Sept. 7 at the age of 62, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

He joined The Inquirer in 1989 and was instrumental in shaping the Rally high school sports section.

For 15 years, he oversaw writers, freelance reporters, photographers, and videographers who covered sports events year-round at more than 100 high schools in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

“One of his many attributes was his ability to organize and deftly manage complex operations — suburban zoning and high school sports, in their heyday, were just two. He was famously upbeat and epitomized collegiality,” said Inquirer editor Gabriel Escobar.

He was honored with The Inquirer’s Ralph Vigoda Award for outstanding journalism in December 2011.

Rabito especially enjoyed his role as a mentor and participated in many programs that assisted young writers.

He was devoted to his wife, Renee, and his two daughters, Lauren and Jessalyn. He coached his daughters on the Haverford Township softball team.

Read more about the life of Lou Rabito in The Philadelphia Inquirer.