Thanks
to Pete
Simonson for the suggestion of remembering our radio friends who
have passed on.
We'll include our own articles as well as obituaries.
L
Frank
Lasko |
"Hap" Leatherwood |
Al
Lee OCALA - Al Lee , 77, a retired journalist, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. A native of Nashville, Ga., he moved here in 1960 from Pompano Beach. An award-winning investigative journalist for the Tampa Tribune and the Star-Banner, he was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism. He was a former radio news editor for WMOP-AM 900 and WTMC-AM 1290, public relations director for the Florida Department of Corrections, and city editor for the Star-Banner. He began the Marion County Meditation Program, was the first non-lawyer to argue before the Florida Supreme Court and was a columnist for the Voice of South Marion. Mr. Lee was the recipient of the Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Achievement Award, was the youngest person to fly solo in the state, and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. |
Ernie
Legge Ernie Legge died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, at William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay, Fla. He was born May 28, 1927, in Chicago and moved with his family to Melbourne, Fla., in 1936. He was a 1945 graduate of Melbourne High School. He served briefly with the Navy before attending the University of Florida from 1946-47. He was a graduate from broadcasting school in California before returning to Melbourne and working at WMMB-AM 1240. In the early 1950s, he was a radio and television broadcaster in Orlando, Florida. In 1957 Ernie hosted the "WLOF Hot Parade" from Noon-3PM on WLOF-AM 950 he also became the first newscaster for WLOF-TV (now WFTV) in 1958. Following his return to Melbourne, Fla., he worked with WMEL-AM 920 as the space program reporter for many years, retiring in 1999 as the national regional sales manager. |
Bill
Leisner |
Stephen
B. Levensohn, aka "Aunt
Harriet", Professor of Philosophy, Religion and Humanities
passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2004 of congestive heart failure. Dr.
Levensohn was on faculty at the University of Central Florida for
thirty five years until his retirement last June. A dedicated teacher
he continued to teach and was expecting to begin his next class on
June 24. In addition to teaching,
Dr. Levensohn was the original Director of Religious Studies at UCF.
Originally from Boston, he took his Bachelor's Degree at Boston
University and both his Master's and Doctoral Degrees at Florida
State University. Dr. Levensohn held a Post Doctoral from Jewish
Theological Seminary. Together with his wife, Kate, he delighted his
radio listeners and callers as the gravelly voiced Harriet of
"Aunt Harriet's All Night Diner and Short Order" and
"Practical Wisdom". From 1952-1956, Dr. Levensohn served in
the United States Air Force. A much loved man, devoted husband, loving
father and grandfather, brother and son-in-law, he is survived by his
wife Kate; daughters Jaimie Morris, Elizabeth Levensohn and partner
Ruth King, Tia Llewellyn and son-in- law Garland; son Todd Levensohn
and daughter-in- law Julie; daughter Alexis Rosenfelt and son-in-law
Steve Rosenfelt all of Winter Park and Orlando; his grandchildren
Zachary Stephen Levensohn, Ryan Rosenfelt, Romie Llewellyn, Bella
Kastor, Kala Levensohn, Savannah and Brittany Grissinger, Tomeka and
Dakota Park- Ozee; sister Maxine Weintraub, brother-in-law Dr. Herbert
Weintraub of Kennebunkport Maine; brother-in-law B. Paul Katz;
sister-in-law Donna W. Katz, Flagler Beach; mother-in- law Doris Katz,
Ormond Beach and many nieces and nephews. Stephen Levensohn is one of
those rare souls who touched so many. Perhaps his greatest gift was
making us feel so special. We know his generosity of spirit will live
on forever in the hearts of his family and those who were touched by
his grace. It was Stephen's desire to have a very private ceremony
with his wife and children and to be placed in the bromeliads in his
backyard outside his hermitage window. The family has established the
Stephen B. Levensohn Scholarship Fund at the University of Central
Florida. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to: The Stephen B.
Levensohn Memorial Fund, UCF Foundation 12424 Research Parkway, Suite
140, Orlando, FL 32826. Published in the Orlando Sentinel on June 27, 2004 |
Charlie Liles FLORIDA TODAY (Melbourne, FL)-June 23, 2005 Author: Staff, BRITT KENNERLY TITUSVILLE -- Friends and family have vivid memories of a former Titusville mayor well known for his community service and remembered for his booming voice. Charlie Liles, 72, who served two terms as a council member in the mid-1970s and was elected in 1978 to one term as mayor, died Tuesday at his home in Daytona Beach. His daughter, Donna Hendricks of Huntsville, Ala., described her father as a "special kind of guy." "If it was something he really wanted done and he felt strongly about it, you knew it," she said. "You always knew where he stood -- he was going to push, and he got a lot done." Many credit Liles as instrumental in the campaign to restore the Veterans Memorial Pier and with upgrading State Road 50 to four lanes during his service with the city. But for local sports fans, Liles was also known as "The Voice of High School Football and Basketball," working as an announcer for WRMF-AM 1050 and WAMT-AM 1060 radio stations. The master of ceremonies for the Titusville Junior Miss Pageant for 14 years, he continued work as a disc jockey for dances and special events after moving to Daytona Beach eight years ago. "He was a great gentleman, very much a family man and very active in church and with the United Men's Fellowship," said George Mosakowski, who met Liles as a member of Indian River City United Methodist Church. "And he was a terrific disc jockey." John Peterson, water resources manager for the city, agreed. "He had a very good broadcast voice. I remember listening to some of his play-by-play -- that's my best memory of him," he said. "It was a long time ago, but working with him was always a very good experience." Liles was born Dec. 24, 1932, in Selma, N.C., and raised and educated in Tampa. In the early 1960s, he and his family moved to Titusville, where one of Liles' three children, a son, Chuck Liles, still lives. Another son, David Liles, lives in Live Oak. Liles would be happy to see the progress on the pier in a city he loved, said his daughter. "When I was growing up, my dad would get so upset when the weekend would come and my friends and I would go to Merritt Island to go shopping," Hendricks said. "He'd say, 'Why, when Titusville has everything, do you go to Merritt Island?' His family upbringing was community - oriented - my grandfather was a Boy Scout executive. My father just really liked people." |
Bob
Lima Passes
1-20-23 Bob Lima, died Wednesday, January 18 after being diagnosed with cancer in June of 2022. Bob's CFL radio career included in 1992 as station manager WGNE-FM 98.3 then on to WNFI-FM 99.9 as air talent Bob Lee and General Manager from1992-2000, General Sales Manager at WTMN-AM 1430 in 2004.Bob Lima, who worked at radio stations in Georgia, and Mississippi. Lima is survived by his wife, Stella, his daughter Julie and his three grandchildren. Memorial arrangements will be announced on his website in the future. |
Anthony
"Domino" Lini 3-4-24 It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Domino - born Anthony Blaine Lini - a beloved father, and cherished member of the radio community. Domino passed unexpectedly onto his eternal rest on March 4, 2024 in Apopka, Florida at the age of 61. Domino was born in Seattle, Washington, on August 3, 1962. Domino embarked on his radio journey near his hometown in Fort Collins, Colorado, starting with positions at a local station before transitioning to overnight shifts at a station in Fargo, North Dakota. Subsequently, he navigated through various roles in Arkansas, New York, Georgia, California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas. Domino touched the lives of many with his warmth, wit, and passion for broadcasting. He joined WOCL-FM 105.9 in February 2010, shortly after PD Rick Stacy, with whom he had collaborated at Power 99/Atlanta in the mid-1980s. His extensive experience included hosting nights at KIIS-FM/Los Angeles in the mid-1990s and KHKS/Dallas from 1996 to 2003, along with roles at WPLJ/New York and KGGI/Riverside, among others. A very dedicated father and esteemed radio personality, Domino poured his heart and soul into nurturing and guiding his beloved daughter Zoe, instilling in her values of love, kindness, and resilience. His unwavering support and boundless love will forever remain in the hearts of his family. In his illustrious career as a radio personality, Domino captivated audiences with his magnetic presence and genuine connection. Whether through entertaining banter, insightful commentary, or heartfelt stories, he left an indelible mark on the airwaves and in the hearts of listeners. Beyond his professional achievements, Domino was known for his generosity, humor, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on those around him. His legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though Domino may no longer grace the airwaves, his spirit will forever resonate in the memories and lives of those he touched. Domino leaves to cherish the memories of his life, wife, Marika Martinez, his beloved daughter, Zoe; his parents, Kenneth and Susan Lini of Acworth Georgia; two sisters, Helen Kazerooni of Kennesaw Georgia, and Amy Francis of Lakewood Colorado; five nieces/nephews Madison, Morgan, Zachery, Quincy, and Avery; as well as extended family, acquaintances, fans and friends that will miss him dearly. Domino, your laughter, love and legacy will forever echo in the hearts of the people who had the blessing of knowing you. As you embark on this new adventure, may the sky above be as bright as your spirit, and might you find eternal peace, happiness and joy on the other side. Viewing will take place April 7, 2024 from 4PM-7PM with a celebration of life at 5PM at A Community Funeral Home & Sunset Cremations, 910 W. Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 841-4424 |
Keith Lippert |
Karl
Loeper May
2018 “Karl Loeper was the calm during the storm. As an in-flight meteorologist for the Navy's “Hurricane Hunter” squadron, he kept his cool when colleagues needed help navigating perilous conditions. And when Loeper came to The Villages 12 years ago as the voice of AM-640 WVLG's weather forecasts, he put weather-weary listeners at ease through the worst of Florida weather. “He had a great way of assuring people, because of his knowledge, that everything will be OK," said WVLG station manager Kathleen Kane. Loeper died Thursday morning at The Villages Hospice House months after suffering a stroke. He was 75." |
Terry
Long (Terrance Robert
Long) 7-8-14 RCS President./CEO Philippe Generali has offered the following statement following the untimely passing of longtime engineer Terry Long. Terry was with WBJW-FM 105.1 from 1974 until 1982. From All Access: It is with shock and deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Terry Long on July 8th, 2014 at his home in Wappinger Falls, NY. Terry would have turned 60 next January. The causes of his death – apparently health related - are still being determined. Last May, Terry celebrated 20 years of working for RCS. He was one of our most knowledgeable engineers in the field of Novell Networks and Master Control, installing well over a hundred radio station’s automation systems during his career. He then went on to a senior Support position to eventually rise to a Team Leader role. With plenty positive client’s comments and thousands of hours spent on the phone helping customers, work was one of his passion. Terry was a night owl, always preferring the late evening shift. He had a knack for meteorology, often keeping an eye on the Doppler radar for our White Plains area. I can still hear his kind advice on occasional summer nights where I had come to the office in the morning riding my motorcycle: "Philippe, I just want to tell you that you should get out of here now, there a nasty rain patch coming our way." Yes, Terry allowed me to stay dry many a times. Terry, we know you were an accomplished HAM radio guy. I hope there is a frequency somewhere, someday up there were you will be able to receive everyone’s message of how much we’ll miss you. Good bye, my friend! |
Pablo
"Pauly" Lorenzo, 61, Hispanic Disc Jockey March 21, 1999| By Robert Perez of The Sentinel Staff For a generation of Central Florida Hispanics, Pablo "Pauly" Lorenzo was the source of music and culture as a disc jockey with various Spanish-language radio stations. Lorenzo of Fern Park was killed in a traffic accident Friday in Longwood. He was 61. Even though he was a public personality, Lorenzo was a private man, said Marcus Sepulveda, his son-in-law. Not until family members began going through his belongings after his death did they realize the extent of his talent and community connections. Sepulveda said he found cassettes of bands in which Lorenzo had played. He found certificates of appreciation from community groups. "I was shocked as I sat there looking through those documents and listening to his music," he said. ``In those few hours, I learned more about him than I had in the past 17 years.'' Lorenzo was born in Aguada, Puerto Rico, and moved to Central Florida in 1979. He worked for various Spanish-language stations, most recently for WOTS-AM 1220. He was Catholic and a member of the Case De Puerto Rico in Orlando. The civic group paid tribute to him Saturday, Sepulveda said. "A lot of people turned out,'' he said. "He had a lot of people that loved him." Lorenzo is survived by his companion of more than 20 years, Ivette Velez of Fern Park; a son, Pablo Lorenzo Jr. of Aguada; daughters, Eldin, Daisy and Delinia, all of Aguada; his parents, Antonio and Juana Lorenzo of Aguada; and a brother, Ramon Lorenzo of Aguada. Viewing will begin at 3 p.m. Monday with a service to follow at 5 p.m. at the Newcomer Family Funeral Home, 4150 Forsyth Road near Winter Park. |
Arthur
Lowery Published in the Orlando Sentinel on Nov. 24, 2005 LOWERY, ARTHUR THOMAS, was born February 4, 1918 in Syluria, Alabama. He passed away on November 21, 2005. He was a Pioneer Broadcaster and minister. Mr. Lowery's career as an engineer and broadcast included an hour show on WDBO(-AM 580) called "Hymn Time" additionally he was an on the air announcer for WDBO radio during WW2. Arthur was on the air "live" from the studio in downtown Orlando during the celebration of VE day conducting interviews with the people on Orange Avenue. This broadcast was carried by CBS radio network nationwide. Mr. Lowery was instrumental in the construction of several other broadcast stations through out the Southeast including WFLA now WFTV channel 9. He continued to be active with this field until the 1980's. Mr. Lowery was an accomplished musician, playing many string and woodwind instruments. He was an alumni and past musical instructor at Southeastern Bible College, now located in Lakeland. Mr. Lowery was ordained in the ministry in 1941 with the Assemblies of God. His ministries included founding the First Assembly of God congregation in Winter Park. He with his wife Gladys McCall Lowery began in a 40' by 60' tent on North Orange Avenue in 1946. This congregation predated Calvary Assembly of God. Mr. Lowery was an author and wrote under the pseudonym T. L. Arthur. His published works included a historical biblical novel "The Witch at Endor". Mr. Lowery additionally held a Florida General Contractors license and built many important buildings in Orange county and other areas of the Southeast. His building career was prominent in the Orlando area during the Strategic Air Command era at McCoy Air Force Base, now Orlando International Airport. Mr. Lowery was a founding member of the South Lake Moose Lodge. Mr. Lowery was preceded in death by one son, Rondal Gene Lowery and is survived by Gladys McCall Lowery, his wife of 64 years; two children: daughter, Chere Rice Roane, son, L. Glen Lowery; grandsons, Edward Rice and his wife Nina, Greg Michael Lowery, Robert Brian Lowery; great granddaughter, Victoria Rice, and great grandson Edward Rice III, all of Orlando; brothers and sisters include Gerald Lowery, Jim Lowery and Eleanor Ellis of Jemison Alabama. Viewing and services will be held on Saturday from 10AM to 12 Noon at All Faiths Chapel, 4901 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, and internment at Chapel Hill. |
Ken
Lueck, WNDB Radio Personality, Dies DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL -
Monday, March 6, 1989 |
Earlyne
Lund Aug
18, 2012 Earlyne Yvonne (Gray) Lund, 77, passed away Saturday afternoon, August 18th, at her home in Ormond Beach, FL, following a brief struggle with cancer. Earlyne is survived by her four children – Pamela Diane (Mike) Storm, Mark Gordon (Denise) Lund, Machelle Ann (Tim) Vallance, Penny Yvonne Piccirillo – 12 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren and her sister – Myrnelle (David) Wulff. Earlyne was born on June 16th, 1935, to Earl and Myrtle Gray in Brookings, SD, and grew up in Dawson, MN. She graduated from Dawson High School in 1953. Earlyne was married over 50 years to the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, Gordon Lund. Gordon passed away in 2005 and she has now joined him in heaven. Earlyne and Gordon moved extensively throughout the early years of their marriage, ending up in Daytona Beach area in 1985 and beginning the radio station ministry (Public Radio, Inc.) which continues to serve the area on stations WAPN 91.5 FM (Holly Hill, FL) and WAPB 91.7 FM (Madison, FL). Of all her accomplishments, Earlyne’s greatest achievements have been in the lives of her family and friends. She had a unique gift to recognize and appreciate the talents in others and to make them feel loved and lifted by her presence. Earlyne enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her creative mind, kind heart, and beautiful smile allowed her to make everything from her work at the radio station to sharing her home for family get togethers a very special time. She loved to sew, text, email, share photos, and make DVDs. She leaves all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with the knowledge that they were truly loved and they know she loved the Lord. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 25th, 1 pm, at Calvary Christian Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WAPN (1508 State Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32117) in memory of Earlyne. |
Gordon
Lund Feb.
21, 2005 Obituary From The Daytona News Journal ORMOND BEACH-Gordon C. Lund, 71, of North Yonge Street, who owned and operated WAPN 91.5 FM, a Christian radio station in Holly Hill, since1985 with his wife of 51 years Earlyne, died Monday at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach. Mr. Lund, an Army veteran of the Korean War, was born in Montevideo, Minn., and moved here in 1983. He was a member of Calvary Christian Church and enjoyed traveling, car auctions, football and playing free cell and solitaire. Additional survivors include a son, Mark, Sebastian; three daughters, Shellye Vallance, Holly Hill, Penny Piccirillo, Ormond Beach, and Pam Storm, Merritt Island; a brother, Paul, Hillsboro, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to WAPN 91.5 FM, 1508 State Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117. |
Mike
Lyons Michael G. Lyons, age 57 of Orlando, FL, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009.8 Michael is the son of Donald T. Lyons of Altamonte Springs and the late Gloria M. "Gerrard" Lyons. He is the brother of Douglas Lyons and his wife Julia Wooten of Seattle, WA; Deb Lyons and her husband Steve Jankowski of Belmar, NJ and John Lyons and his wife Helen of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by a nephew Felix Lyons of Seattle, WA and a niece Ashley Clark of Dothan, AL. Mike Lyons moved to Orlando from Kittery, Maine at a young age, graduating from Edgewater High School in 1970 He began his career in Orlando in 1971 writing for the city's first underground newspaper "The Watcher". He was Music Director and announcer for WORJ-FM 107.7, WDIZ-FM 100.3 and WHTQ-FM 96.5 in Orlando, Program Director for 98 Rock (WXTB) in Tampa and spent the last 8 years of his radio career as Mornings/Assistant Program Director in Miami. Mike entered the record business in the mid 90's. From 1995 - 2000 he was VP of AAA Promotions at Lee Arnold Marketing. Mike joined TripleARadio.com as columnist of The Forest and contributing editor from 2001. A private funeral service will be held. Contributions in Mike's name may be made to pancan.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245. Mike Lyons Memorial Service 10-13-08 This from the WORJ-FM message board. Lee Arnold - 10.13.2009 There will be a Buddhist Memorial Service for Mike Lyons this Friday from 7:00-8:30 PM at the SGI-USA Buddhist Orlando Community Center : 452 N. Semoran Blvd. , Orlando. Phone: 407-482-3939 or 407-482-3969. All Friends of Mike are warmly welcomed. You do not have to be a Buddhist to attend. |
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