The rise of Larry Mendte

Not every youngster who starts his news career as a delivery boy rises to become a leading TV reporter across the country.

But Larry Mendte did.

Mendte was born and raised in Lansdowne, and during his years at St. Philomena School he delivered the Evening Bulletin.

After graduating from Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby, he got a B.A. in journalism from West Chester University.

His career took off from there:

* Weekend anchor and a fill-in sports anchor on WABC in New York in 1984.

* News anchor and investigative reporter for WBBM in Chicago, 1991 to 1995.

* News anchor for stations in Columbus, Ohio; Lebanon, Pa.; Altoona, Pa., and Eureka, Calif.

* Weatherman at KFMB in San Diego, and stand-up comedian in Southern California comedy clubs.

* Humor commentator for "Hard Copy" in Los Angeles.

* First host of "Access Hollywood" in 1996.

* Main anchor for WCAU newscasts in 1997.

* Main anchor at KYW in 2003, with co-anchor Alycia Lane.

* Wins Edward R. Murrow Award for his reports on the Eternal Flame that honors veterans in Washington Square that forced the city to repair it.

* Inducted in 2006 into Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.

* Named in 2007 as one of the 75 Greatest Living Philadelphians by the Philadelphia Daily News in honor of the Philadelphia Eagles' 75th anniversary. *