I live in Brudnoy's building, although I only moved here last summer. He was unfailingly kind and held in deep affection by the staff and neighbors here, most of whom are dedicated leftists who start every conversation about him with "I didn't agree with his politics, but...." As a newcomer to Boston, I was amazed at the outpouring on his death. I am also amazed at how much right-wing/libertarian talk radio there is here. Even the sports guys are largely right-wing.
Most of the older sports guys were in the service at one time: an anomaly amongst the folks on Boston Radio. Veterans tend to be right wing.