R.I.P. - 'Grandpa' Munster

Actor, Politician Al Lewis Dies at 95

NEW YORK (AP) - Actor Al Lewis, the cigar-chomping patriarch of ``The Munsters'' whose work as a basketball scout, restaurateur and political candidate never eclipsed his role as Grandpa from the television sitcom, died after several years of failing health. He was 95.

Lewis, with his wife at his bedside, passed away Friday night, said Bernard White, program director at WBAI-FM, where the actor hosted a weekly radio program for years. White made the announcement on the air during the Saturday slot where Lewis usually appeared.

``To say that we will miss his generous, cantankerous, engaging spirit is a profound understatement,'' White said.