RADIO HOST, WNIR 100.1 FM. AKRON, OHIO
(Real name Tom Nagel).
By Marilyn Miller, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer:
Tom Erickson, 58, longtime radio newsman and talk-show host of WNIR (100.1 FM), has died. Tom's death was announced Saturday evening during Bob Earley's talk show, which turned into an impromptu tribute show with callers phoning in to share memories of Mr. Erickson. His passing follows the sudden death in June of talk-show host Howie Chizek, who died of a heart attack. "I have never heard in the history of radio of losing two mainstay on-air personalities in the same year," said Jim Isanella, a co-worker who sometimes filled in for Tom on the air. "Tom loved radio and being on the air. He was really into space, Bigfoot and aliens. People might have thought he was quirky, but his fans loved him and he was a big part of the success of WNIR," said Isabella, who is also a correspondent for the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper. "He had just celebrated his 10th anniversary as a regular host." According to a biography on the radio station's website, Tom spent the first 30-years of his career reporting Akron and Northeast Ohio news. "In that time, he covered thousands of local stories. Tom knows the history of the community and all the major players, giving him a unique ability to talk about our town." The Tom Erickson evening show began in 2001 after Tom was on the news shift and got an emergency call to fill in for another talk-show host, Joe Finan, who had fallen and broken his hip just before air-time. Tom had no prior experience or time to prep, the station said. "The last time he was on the air was June 5," said Isabella. In August, radio station officials said they had hoped he would be back on the air soon, but said his medical problems continued and it could be months before he was well enough. According to family at the time, Tom had been fighting the effects of a nasty case of peritonitis, and infection which had ruined his stomach and spread into the rest of his body. He had been hospitalized for months, and could not eat or drink. ____________________
From's Tom's Website:
After months of Tom being in the hospital, the family found out that he had terminal cancer on November 2nd. Remaining on the ventilator, Tom was given only a few weeks to live. Off of the ventilator, he could die that same day ... or perhaps live a few days. Off of the ventilator, Tom would be more comfortable, and could speak. The decision was made to let Tom be free of the tube that made him uncomfortable and silent. Tom would then be moved to a hospice setting in his home, with his beloved dog Comet. After removing the tube on Saturday, November 3rd, around noon, Tom spent some very quality time with his two children Heather and Erik, his companion Kathy, and his friend & mother of his two children Pat Mihaly.
Shortly after leaving the hospital, Tom experienced a drop in his vital signs, and passed away, never again to go home.
Tom fought a very hard battle to survive. He loved life. He loved his children and his dog. He loved his dedicated listeners at WNIR. Tom wanted so very much to live! Today, Tom lives in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace, Radioboy.
Go to Tom's website here:
http://www.radioboytom.com/
____________________
Personal Note By Mr. Ed:
Like many others in the Akron, Ohio area, I waited for Tom to get back on the air. Then, I heard of his passing and I was floored. I knew he was very ill, but his death was a total surprise and shock. Tom was the host of the "Tom Erickson Show" on WNIR radio. I listened almost every night from 6 to 10 pm. I called in and talked to him once several years ago. Tom didn't use screeners on his show. You just called in and talked. Tom could be a nut. But he was "our" nut. The listeners loved him. You could call into Tom's show and talk about anything. Tom was a smart guy. He knew local and national politics and the stories that were in the news at any given time. But he had been a newsman for 30-years so he knew the news. But he also knew about the stars, the universe, Bigfoot, aliens, space and NASA. Callers talked about ghosts and a host of topics and that is why Tom's show was so popular in the area. Tom never made fun of callers with weird stories. But Tom's show was much more than that. There were serious issues as well. When you listened to Tom, it seemed that he was sitting in a chair on your porch having a conversation. Tom was just a warm guy with a great personality and a great way of making people want to sit back, relax and take part in the show. Tom never served in the military. But he had a great respect for veterans and honored them every chance he got. He was a host at several veteran's gatherings. Tom had his father on the show last year. His dad was an elderly man and they talked about how things were when his father was young. It was a great show that day. Tom's son belongs to a popular local rock band and his daughter founded and operates the "Heaven Can Wait" animal rescue. Tom was so proud of his kids. He played songs written by his son's band on his show and was always plugging the animal rescue operation. Tom talked about his dog, Comet and his long-time love, "Aunt Bee". You came to know his family, his hobbies and his personality very quickly. And you found that Tom was one of us. He was the guy next door. He was the fellow you could rely on in a pinch. He was a good friend. To say Tom will be missed is an extreem understatement. We have lost a member of our family here. Rest in peace Tom! When we think of you from now on, we will simply, "Look up."
TO TOM: If you can find a way, how cool would it be if you could break into WNIR's broadcast some night to say "Hi"? Just a thought Tom.
______________________________
On June 20, 2013, at 9:00 am EST, part of Tom's ashes were sent into space aboard the Centennial Flight.
______________________________
LOOK FOR THESE OTHER AKRON AREA PERSONALITIES ON FIND A GRAVE:
Cliff Rodgers #116132681
Howie Chizek #92045606
Joe Finan #17363641
Jerry "Jaybird" Drennan #19447615
Captain Penny #14568196
(Real name Tom Nagel).
By Marilyn Miller, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer:
Tom Erickson, 58, longtime radio newsman and talk-show host of WNIR (100.1 FM), has died. Tom's death was announced Saturday evening during Bob Earley's talk show, which turned into an impromptu tribute show with callers phoning in to share memories of Mr. Erickson. His passing follows the sudden death in June of talk-show host Howie Chizek, who died of a heart attack. "I have never heard in the history of radio of losing two mainstay on-air personalities in the same year," said Jim Isanella, a co-worker who sometimes filled in for Tom on the air. "Tom loved radio and being on the air. He was really into space, Bigfoot and aliens. People might have thought he was quirky, but his fans loved him and he was a big part of the success of WNIR," said Isabella, who is also a correspondent for the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper. "He had just celebrated his 10th anniversary as a regular host." According to a biography on the radio station's website, Tom spent the first 30-years of his career reporting Akron and Northeast Ohio news. "In that time, he covered thousands of local stories. Tom knows the history of the community and all the major players, giving him a unique ability to talk about our town." The Tom Erickson evening show began in 2001 after Tom was on the news shift and got an emergency call to fill in for another talk-show host, Joe Finan, who had fallen and broken his hip just before air-time. Tom had no prior experience or time to prep, the station said. "The last time he was on the air was June 5," said Isabella. In August, radio station officials said they had hoped he would be back on the air soon, but said his medical problems continued and it could be months before he was well enough. According to family at the time, Tom had been fighting the effects of a nasty case of peritonitis, and infection which had ruined his stomach and spread into the rest of his body. He had been hospitalized for months, and could not eat or drink. ____________________
From's Tom's Website:
After months of Tom being in the hospital, the family found out that he had terminal cancer on November 2nd. Remaining on the ventilator, Tom was given only a few weeks to live. Off of the ventilator, he could die that same day ... or perhaps live a few days. Off of the ventilator, Tom would be more comfortable, and could speak. The decision was made to let Tom be free of the tube that made him uncomfortable and silent. Tom would then be moved to a hospice setting in his home, with his beloved dog Comet. After removing the tube on Saturday, November 3rd, around noon, Tom spent some very quality time with his two children Heather and Erik, his companion Kathy, and his friend & mother of his two children Pat Mihaly.
Shortly after leaving the hospital, Tom experienced a drop in his vital signs, and passed away, never again to go home.
Tom fought a very hard battle to survive. He loved life. He loved his children and his dog. He loved his dedicated listeners at WNIR. Tom wanted so very much to live! Today, Tom lives in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace, Radioboy.
Go to Tom's website here:
http://www.radioboytom.com/
____________________
Personal Note By Mr. Ed:
Like many others in the Akron, Ohio area, I waited for Tom to get back on the air. Then, I heard of his passing and I was floored. I knew he was very ill, but his death was a total surprise and shock. Tom was the host of the "Tom Erickson Show" on WNIR radio. I listened almost every night from 6 to 10 pm. I called in and talked to him once several years ago. Tom didn't use screeners on his show. You just called in and talked. Tom could be a nut. But he was "our" nut. The listeners loved him. You could call into Tom's show and talk about anything. Tom was a smart guy. He knew local and national politics and the stories that were in the news at any given time. But he had been a newsman for 30-years so he knew the news. But he also knew about the stars, the universe, Bigfoot, aliens, space and NASA. Callers talked about ghosts and a host of topics and that is why Tom's show was so popular in the area. Tom never made fun of callers with weird stories. But Tom's show was much more than that. There were serious issues as well. When you listened to Tom, it seemed that he was sitting in a chair on your porch having a conversation. Tom was just a warm guy with a great personality and a great way of making people want to sit back, relax and take part in the show. Tom never served in the military. But he had a great respect for veterans and honored them every chance he got. He was a host at several veteran's gatherings. Tom had his father on the show last year. His dad was an elderly man and they talked about how things were when his father was young. It was a great show that day. Tom's son belongs to a popular local rock band and his daughter founded and operates the "Heaven Can Wait" animal rescue. Tom was so proud of his kids. He played songs written by his son's band on his show and was always plugging the animal rescue operation. Tom talked about his dog, Comet and his long-time love, "Aunt Bee". You came to know his family, his hobbies and his personality very quickly. And you found that Tom was one of us. He was the guy next door. He was the fellow you could rely on in a pinch. He was a good friend. To say Tom will be missed is an extreem understatement. We have lost a member of our family here. Rest in peace Tom! When we think of you from now on, we will simply, "Look up."
TO TOM: If you can find a way, how cool would it be if you could break into WNIR's broadcast some night to say "Hi"? Just a thought Tom.
______________________________
On June 20, 2013, at 9:00 am EST, part of Tom's ashes were sent into space aboard the Centennial Flight.
______________________________
LOOK FOR THESE OTHER AKRON AREA PERSONALITIES ON FIND A GRAVE:
Cliff Rodgers #116132681
Howie Chizek #92045606
Joe Finan #17363641
Jerry "Jaybird" Drennan #19447615
Captain Penny #14568196
RADIO HOST, WNIR 100.1 FM. AKRON, OHIO
(Real name Tom Nagel).
By Marilyn Miller, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer:
Tom Erickson, 58, longtime radio newsman and talk-show host of WNIR (100.1 FM), has died. Tom's death was announced Saturday evening during Bob Earley's talk show, which turned into an impromptu tribute show with callers phoning in to share memories of Mr. Erickson. His passing follows the sudden death in June of talk-show host Howie Chizek, who died of a heart attack. "I have never heard in the history of radio of losing two mainstay on-air personalities in the same year," said Jim Isanella, a co-worker who sometimes filled in for Tom on the air. "Tom loved radio and being on the air. He was really into space, Bigfoot and aliens. People might have thought he was quirky, but his fans loved him and he was a big part of the success of WNIR," said Isabella, who is also a correspondent for the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper. "He had just celebrated his 10th anniversary as a regular host." According to a biography on the radio station's website, Tom spent the first 30-years of his career reporting Akron and Northeast Ohio news. "In that time, he covered thousands of local stories. Tom knows the history of the community and all the major players, giving him a unique ability to talk about our town." The Tom Erickson evening show began in 2001 after Tom was on the news shift and got an emergency call to fill in for another talk-show host, Joe Finan, who had fallen and broken his hip just before air-time. Tom had no prior experience or time to prep, the station said. "The last time he was on the air was June 5," said Isabella. In August, radio station officials said they had hoped he would be back on the air soon, but said his medical problems continued and it could be months before he was well enough. According to family at the time, Tom had been fighting the effects of a nasty case of peritonitis, and infection which had ruined his stomach and spread into the rest of his body. He had been hospitalized for months, and could not eat or drink. ____________________
From's Tom's Website:
After months of Tom being in the hospital, the family found out that he had terminal cancer on November 2nd. Remaining on the ventilator, Tom was given only a few weeks to live. Off of the ventilator, he could die that same day ... or perhaps live a few days. Off of the ventilator, Tom would be more comfortable, and could speak. The decision was made to let Tom be free of the tube that made him uncomfortable and silent. Tom would then be moved to a hospice setting in his home, with his beloved dog Comet. After removing the tube on Saturday, November 3rd, around noon, Tom spent some very quality time with his two children Heather and Erik, his companion Kathy, and his friend & mother of his two children Pat Mihaly.
Shortly after leaving the hospital, Tom experienced a drop in his vital signs, and passed away, never again to go home.
Tom fought a very hard battle to survive. He loved life. He loved his children and his dog. He loved his dedicated listeners at WNIR. Tom wanted so very much to live! Today, Tom lives in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace, Radioboy.
Go to Tom's website here:
http://www.radioboytom.com/
____________________
Personal Note By Mr. Ed:
Like many others in the Akron, Ohio area, I waited for Tom to get back on the air. Then, I heard of his passing and I was floored. I knew he was very ill, but his death was a total surprise and shock. Tom was the host of the "Tom Erickson Show" on WNIR radio. I listened almost every night from 6 to 10 pm. I called in and talked to him once several years ago. Tom didn't use screeners on his show. You just called in and talked. Tom could be a nut. But he was "our" nut. The listeners loved him. You could call into Tom's show and talk about anything. Tom was a smart guy. He knew local and national politics and the stories that were in the news at any given time. But he had been a newsman for 30-years so he knew the news. But he also knew about the stars, the universe, Bigfoot, aliens, space and NASA. Callers talked about ghosts and a host of topics and that is why Tom's show was so popular in the area. Tom never made fun of callers with weird stories. But Tom's show was much more than that. There were serious issues as well. When you listened to Tom, it seemed that he was sitting in a chair on your porch having a conversation. Tom was just a warm guy with a great personality and a great way of making people want to sit back, relax and take part in the show. Tom never served in the military. But he had a great respect for veterans and honored them every chance he got. He was a host at several veteran's gatherings. Tom had his father on the show last year. His dad was an elderly man and they talked about how things were when his father was young. It was a great show that day. Tom's son belongs to a popular local rock band and his daughter founded and operates the "Heaven Can Wait" animal rescue. Tom was so proud of his kids. He played songs written by his son's band on his show and was always plugging the animal rescue operation. Tom talked about his dog, Comet and his long-time love, "Aunt Bee". You came to know his family, his hobbies and his personality very quickly. And you found that Tom was one of us. He was the guy next door. He was the fellow you could rely on in a pinch. He was a good friend. To say Tom will be missed is an extreem understatement. We have lost a member of our family here. Rest in peace Tom! When we think of you from now on, we will simply, "Look up."
TO TOM: If you can find a way, how cool would it be if you could break into WNIR's broadcast some night to say "Hi"? Just a thought Tom.
______________________________
On June 20, 2013, at 9:00 am EST, part of Tom's ashes were sent into space aboard the Centennial Flight.
______________________________
LOOK FOR THESE OTHER AKRON AREA PERSONALITIES ON FIND A GRAVE:
Cliff Rodgers #116132681
Howie Chizek #92045606
Joe Finan #17363641
Jerry "Jaybird" Drennan #19447615
Captain Penny #14568196
(Real name Tom Nagel).
By Marilyn Miller, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer:
Tom Erickson, 58, longtime radio newsman and talk-show host of WNIR (100.1 FM), has died. Tom's death was announced Saturday evening during Bob Earley's talk show, which turned into an impromptu tribute show with callers phoning in to share memories of Mr. Erickson. His passing follows the sudden death in June of talk-show host Howie Chizek, who died of a heart attack. "I have never heard in the history of radio of losing two mainstay on-air personalities in the same year," said Jim Isanella, a co-worker who sometimes filled in for Tom on the air. "Tom loved radio and being on the air. He was really into space, Bigfoot and aliens. People might have thought he was quirky, but his fans loved him and he was a big part of the success of WNIR," said Isabella, who is also a correspondent for the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper. "He had just celebrated his 10th anniversary as a regular host." According to a biography on the radio station's website, Tom spent the first 30-years of his career reporting Akron and Northeast Ohio news. "In that time, he covered thousands of local stories. Tom knows the history of the community and all the major players, giving him a unique ability to talk about our town." The Tom Erickson evening show began in 2001 after Tom was on the news shift and got an emergency call to fill in for another talk-show host, Joe Finan, who had fallen and broken his hip just before air-time. Tom had no prior experience or time to prep, the station said. "The last time he was on the air was June 5," said Isabella. In August, radio station officials said they had hoped he would be back on the air soon, but said his medical problems continued and it could be months before he was well enough. According to family at the time, Tom had been fighting the effects of a nasty case of peritonitis, and infection which had ruined his stomach and spread into the rest of his body. He had been hospitalized for months, and could not eat or drink. ____________________
From's Tom's Website:
After months of Tom being in the hospital, the family found out that he had terminal cancer on November 2nd. Remaining on the ventilator, Tom was given only a few weeks to live. Off of the ventilator, he could die that same day ... or perhaps live a few days. Off of the ventilator, Tom would be more comfortable, and could speak. The decision was made to let Tom be free of the tube that made him uncomfortable and silent. Tom would then be moved to a hospice setting in his home, with his beloved dog Comet. After removing the tube on Saturday, November 3rd, around noon, Tom spent some very quality time with his two children Heather and Erik, his companion Kathy, and his friend & mother of his two children Pat Mihaly.
Shortly after leaving the hospital, Tom experienced a drop in his vital signs, and passed away, never again to go home.
Tom fought a very hard battle to survive. He loved life. He loved his children and his dog. He loved his dedicated listeners at WNIR. Tom wanted so very much to live! Today, Tom lives in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace, Radioboy.
Go to Tom's website here:
http://www.radioboytom.com/
____________________
Personal Note By Mr. Ed:
Like many others in the Akron, Ohio area, I waited for Tom to get back on the air. Then, I heard of his passing and I was floored. I knew he was very ill, but his death was a total surprise and shock. Tom was the host of the "Tom Erickson Show" on WNIR radio. I listened almost every night from 6 to 10 pm. I called in and talked to him once several years ago. Tom didn't use screeners on his show. You just called in and talked. Tom could be a nut. But he was "our" nut. The listeners loved him. You could call into Tom's show and talk about anything. Tom was a smart guy. He knew local and national politics and the stories that were in the news at any given time. But he had been a newsman for 30-years so he knew the news. But he also knew about the stars, the universe, Bigfoot, aliens, space and NASA. Callers talked about ghosts and a host of topics and that is why Tom's show was so popular in the area. Tom never made fun of callers with weird stories. But Tom's show was much more than that. There were serious issues as well. When you listened to Tom, it seemed that he was sitting in a chair on your porch having a conversation. Tom was just a warm guy with a great personality and a great way of making people want to sit back, relax and take part in the show. Tom never served in the military. But he had a great respect for veterans and honored them every chance he got. He was a host at several veteran's gatherings. Tom had his father on the show last year. His dad was an elderly man and they talked about how things were when his father was young. It was a great show that day. Tom's son belongs to a popular local rock band and his daughter founded and operates the "Heaven Can Wait" animal rescue. Tom was so proud of his kids. He played songs written by his son's band on his show and was always plugging the animal rescue operation. Tom talked about his dog, Comet and his long-time love, "Aunt Bee". You came to know his family, his hobbies and his personality very quickly. And you found that Tom was one of us. He was the guy next door. He was the fellow you could rely on in a pinch. He was a good friend. To say Tom will be missed is an extreem understatement. We have lost a member of our family here. Rest in peace Tom! When we think of you from now on, we will simply, "Look up."
TO TOM: If you can find a way, how cool would it be if you could break into WNIR's broadcast some night to say "Hi"? Just a thought Tom.
______________________________
On June 20, 2013, at 9:00 am EST, part of Tom's ashes were sent into space aboard the Centennial Flight.
______________________________
LOOK FOR THESE OTHER AKRON AREA PERSONALITIES ON FIND A GRAVE:
Cliff Rodgers #116132681
Howie Chizek #92045606
Joe Finan #17363641
Jerry "Jaybird" Drennan #19447615
Captain Penny #14568196
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