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Wally Phillips Obituary
The longtime broadcaster, whose skillful blend of information and humor made him a pioneer of talk radio, died early Thursday after suffering from Alzheimer's disease, according to WGN, where he spent 42 years.
Phillips dominated Chicago's radio airwaves after taking over WGN's morning show in 1965.
Mixing audience participation, public service and breaking news, his broadcast was the No. 1 morning show in Chicago from 1966 until he left to take over the afternoon program in 1986, according to WGN.
"Wally Phillips was the biggest, most successful, most influential local radio broadcaster in Chicago history," said Bruce DuMont, president of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, which inducted Phillips into its National Radio Hall of Fame in 1993. "He was the number one local radio personality in the United States."
At the height of his popularity, he had an audience of nearly 1.5 million - or about half the listeners in the Chicago area.
Phillips was one of the first radio hosts to use humorous and offbeat phone calls, like the one recounted on the museum's Web site in which Phillips telephoned a pet cemetery to arrange a funeral for his mouse, DuMont said. But his show had a serious side, too.
"Relying chiefly on his bank of telephones for contact with celebrities, newsmakers and average listeners, Wally alternates between whimsy and dead seriousness, between jokes and coverage of tragedy in the making, between trivia quizzes and social comment," the Chicago Tribune wrote in 1975. "You almost never hear a record played. The term 'disc jockey,' in fact, is poison to Phillips."
Phillips was credited with a number of innovations now considered local radio program staples.
"It was his show and his success back in the early days ... that introduced the talk format that interacted with phone listeners," Wayne Vriesman, then WGN's vice president and general manager, told the Tribune in 1998, when he retired from WGN.
Phillips returned to the air in 1999 to host a two-hour weekly talk show on WAIT-AM, a station in suburban Chicago.
Phillips, a native of Portsmouth, Ohio, started his radio career after serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II. He worked in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Cincinnati before joining WGN in 1956.
In those early days, Phillips worked in both television and radio. Phillips took over the morning show in January 1965.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
160 Entries
Robin Kuykendall
July 4, 2015
Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, Harry Carey ... they got me through measles (Harry was doing the Cardinals, then), babies, blizzards, and divorce. I miss them all.
Alan Wright
June 27, 2012
Wally was the epitome of a great radio broadcaster. I was in the business for 12 years. I admired Wally. Part of my career was at WGN Radio.
Bill Isaacson
May 29, 2010
I was on one of his dance shows and won a prize For best jitterbuger. I will never froget Him. Bill Isaacson
James Yeske
June 3, 2009
We all go back together. I began listening to Wally Phillips in grade school. He was different from all the jocks on the radio of the day. The very first thing I ever sent to the radio for was a membership in the Coca-Cola Club. It was a big deal to get a membership card from Wally Phillips. One of his things was to broadcast all the famous personalities that were having a birthday that day. My collection today has about 25,000 people...and it all began with him. I will always miss him.
How you can show support
Col. Robert Hanger
April 26, 2008
Iwas a fellow-radio guest on Walt's shows on WLW in 1953&1954; I called him at WGN,while in town, Jan
1975;he seemed to remember me,&
I'll never forget Wally. My sincere condolences to his family.
John Poslusny III
April 19, 2008
I remember first listening to Wally in Jan of 1960. He had a radio show from 8 to 10 PM on WGN. I was in 8th grade at Goodrich grade school in Lisle, IL at the time. A classmate,Ted Meiling, told me about the radio show that Wally had at night. So I tuned in the day Ted told me about the show. Ted said Wally was funny, had great sound affects and good music. Wally also talked about timely topics. I was hooked after the first night of listening to the show. I listened every night after that. Ted and I would go over the show we heard the night before the next day at school and laugh about the funny parts. I listend to Wally every night until he switched to the morning show. I was very sad when he announced on air his last night time radio show. I knew I could not listen to him in the morning because I got up very early to go to high school and I could not have the radio on because the rest of my family was still asleep and I did not want to wake them. I listened to Wally again when I started college at St. Procopius College in Lisle,IL when I would drive to class from my home in Downers Grove,IL. I listened to Wally all the years he was on until I moved to St.Peter, MN and could not get the signal anymore. I happened to be staying with my sister in Chicago on my way to moving to Florida in March of 1998 when I turned the radio on Wally was doing his last radio show. I listened to the whole show. I was sad again because I was going to lose Wally again. I moved to North Fort Myers, Florida in Sept. 1999. I bumped into Clark Weber about 3 years ago and he told me that Wally and his wife were living in Naples, Florida. I wanted to visit him, since we lived only 30 miles apart, and thank him for all fun and laughs he gave me during my life. I didn't make it. So, Wally thanks so much for the fun and laughs. I will never forget you! Wally you used to play a song at the end of your night radio show, "I'll See You In My Dreams" and I will do just that. Thanks Wally! JOHN POSLUSNY III North Fort Myers, Florida e-mail:[email protected] Phone:239-995-3784 PS;Mrs. Phillips please accept my sympathy on your loss. As you know, Wally was the best! Call or e-mail me any time. JOHN
John Hahn
April 3, 2008
Wally Who? as Bob Collins would kid Wally on the air is one who has influenced my life more than I ever realized. Wally woke me up, sent me off to school and work when I lived in Chicago. He always amazed me with his ability to solve a caller's problem or query. His concern for children is attested to by the Neediest Children Program he founded. People ask me where I get my concern for children, and my answer is just two words "WALLY PHILLIPS." He never admitted the vast knowledge he had, but would say to almost every caller, "All of us are smarter than anyone of us." That has been the motto I hold very dear. His list of guests is impressive as anyone in the media might have, because he would joke with his guests, but never embarass them. My day always began with a smile and Wally. I am a pediatric blood donor, which I willingly attribute to Wally who told the story of a young boy named Ryan White who lived out in Crown Point, IN who needed donors badly. Wally's appeal got me to rollup my sleeve for the first time, and to continue for more than 21 gals. All of us who listened to the KING of morning radio owe him a debt of gratitude for how affected us, and formed some of the major guidelines we live our lives by. Thank you Wally, I can never repay your kindness, but will continue to pass it on to others.
Shannon Yates
April 3, 2008
I am a friend of both Barbara and Wally Phillips. I spent most summers in my early years in their home with Barbara, Wally, Holly, Jennifer, and Todd. My mother, Peggy Kole, went to Katherine Gibbs school in New York with Barbara. Please accept my most sincere condolences. You, Wally, and your entire family are in our prayers. Love you.
Lou Greenwald
April 3, 2008
Chicago will miss Wally Phillips. I turned on WGN Radio in the house and listened to Wally while driving to work, every day. Wally had a special way of relating, he was never impolite, he loved people and loved his work. His voice was so comforting. Wally Phillips was a special friend to victims of drunken drivers and provided me, a crusader against DUI, with his private phone number in the WGN Radio studios. Whenever a DUI crash occurred in Chicago, I would call that phone number and within a few minutes, I had the ear of millions of Chicagoans, sometimes for 15 minutes at a time. Wally let me blast the court system for letting drunk drivers off. The lawyers in Chicago must have hated me as I criticized one of the most tolerant DUI court systems in the world. Wally must have disliked drunk drivers as much as I did. My condolences to Wally's family.
Katherine Kole Van Zile
April 2, 2008
I am a friend of Barbara Phillips. I found out about Wally's death from a Chicago Kole. I am thinking of you and have called the only numbers I have for you in vain. Please know you are in my heart as you mourn this man who I know Peggy loved and admired.
Joyce Lockhart
April 2, 2008
Please accept my condolence on your recent loss.
May Jehovah God, the God of comfort, give your family and friends the needed strength to sustain you now and in the days to come.
One day soon, God who cannot lie, promises we will see our loved ones again. (John 5:28,29)
Joan Cleveland
April 1, 2008
I grew up listening to Wally Phillips in the Mornings. My Mom and Dad always had WGN Radio on in the mornings. My Dad was Wally's Banker. I remember Wally my Dad on the phone one morning to give some banking advice to his listeners. My mom still has a letter that Wally wrote to her after my Dad had passed away. Wally was truly a great man. He will be deeply missed. May God bless the Phillips Family
Steve Gaughan
April 1, 2008
As I came down our stairs each weekday morning to begin another school day, my mother had Wally on in the kitchen and my father had Wally on in the downstairs bathroom. Such great memories of those simpler times, memories that include this man with the soft but strong voice who made us all feel better about whatever we did on that day. It was especially fun around the holidays, as we anticipated the coming of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and more, always knowing that turning the dial to 720 AM in the morning would help better prepare all of us for the exciting times ahead. This now silenced voice shall never be repeated so I will just remember better times while listening to Wally.
God Bless Always;
Steve Gaughan
Ralph Allen
April 1, 2008
To those of us...who have spent some time in the wonderful sunlight of radio...we admire God-Given talent like Wally brought to the medium. So warm...so very special.
The best testamony to a life well-lived is that so may miss you when you're gone...gone from here...not from our hearts...nor from the hand of God...be well old friend...in the great beyond...where there are no more tears...
Jeff Muller
April 1, 2008
I'm saddened to learn of Wally's passing. My sympathies to his family and his many, many friends & colleages throughout the country. My dad made deliveries to the Chicago area from Madison, WI nearly every day and became a huge Wally fan. WGN was easily heard in Madison as well so his reach went far beyond Chicagoland to my teenage ears in Wisconsin. I've missed hearing him for years. RIP, Wally...
Mary Lou Drexler
April 1, 2008
To the family of Mr. Phillips:
My prayers and thoughts are with you now with the passing of your husband and father - a most wonderful, caring and loving man. For some it is proper to say "God bless you Wally Phillips". I say this too, but also realize God blessed all of us by sharing Mr. Phillips with us. Chicago and everyone that ever knew him or heard him on WGN was blessed.
janet boyle
March 31, 2008
how many of us think of wally and smile. what joy he brought to so many people. how well i remember being all by myself (and i'm not much of a morning person) and laughing outloud (!) at something hilarious. what a gift he was. my deepest condolences to wally's family and may he rest in peace.
Kelley Marshall
March 31, 2008
To Wally and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We grew up listening to WGN radio. Wally was Chicago. My grandmother listened to his programs slept with the radio on so she would not miss anything. Thanks for all the memories!
Carolyn Cox
March 31, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Phillips family. WGN was the first thing heard in the morning growing up!I still listen to WGN radio as I travel back and forth to Chicago.
He truly was the beginning of "talk radio".
Cary Bergquist
March 31, 2008
Wally,
I was sorry to hear that you had passed. You gave us alot of laughs and fun early in the morning . My father had your show on every morning. You were a great talent and will be missed.
Cary Bergquist and family
Genoa,Illinois
Bob Knack
March 31, 2008
Wally was my radio hero followed closely by Eddie Hubbard, Roy Leonard, Len Johnson and Clif Mercer. I had the honor of working at WGN for a while in the 1970's and had a chance to watch my hero work his on-air magic in Studio A down there on Bradley Place. It's a sad day. My best wishes go out to Wally's family.
Wilma Turetzky
March 31, 2008
Wally Phillips gave me lots of pleasure. I would tune into him every morning when I lived in Illinois. One of the reasons I hated leaving that state 22 years ago was because I would no longer be able to hear Wally's program.
Janet Gates Anderson
March 30, 2008
I remember Wally Phillips well. My father, Charles Gates, was one of the people who hired Wally when he went to work at WGN. I, like everyone else, was a daily listener to Wally's show. He will be missed dearly. Janet Anderson Ashland, OR
Gennie Miskanis
March 30, 2008
Wally, thanks for so many great mornings started listening to you, rest in peace, you were the nicest person, and will always be remembered.
S. Lewis
March 30, 2008
My entry is like so many others here -- my childhood was built around WGN radio and Wally Phillips. We listened to him every morning before school -- such a wit, with good humor and that soothing voice that started so many people's day out on a positive note. I am so sorry to hear that Wally has passed away. My condolances to his family. It feels like losing someone from my own family. Steve Lewis, NY
Kathy
March 30, 2008
From my freshman year in high school all the way through college and marriage and children and divorce, Wally was my daily dose of the big brother I never had. Smart, sharp, pixie-ish, accommodating, sensitive, self-less, generous and above all a man who loved and respected his family more than any other man I've ever known.
Please take this prayer-filled offer of sympathy for your loss, but highest respect and praise for your husband and father. May all the years of gifts he gave us be extended for you because of all the pleasant memories you have to reflect on Wally's love before the ravages of Alzheimer's snatched his mind from you. He has to be watching over you with all of his love and protection even now.
Barbara Phillips
March 30, 2008
My children and I have spent the past several days thinking about Wally as a husband and a father. He was truly great as both. I cannot tell you how priceless and meaningful we have found your messages and stories about Wally. The thing that appears constant from your many entries is that, at heart, Wally had a special place in your lives just as he had one in ours. You laughed with him, learned from him and marked moments in history with his voice in the background. While he can’t join me in reading through your messages, please know that he would count each one as a treasure. He always thought of his time on the radio as a true privilege because of the connection he was able to have with his listeners. He loved the people of Chicago and worked tirelessly to bring out the best in the city he loved so dearly. My family mourns our great loss and we do so with pride and comfort in seeing so many Chicagoans who mourn with us. Thank you for honoring Wally with your words, thoughts and prayers. I am personally grateful.
geri hadden
March 30, 2008
Wally was a joy to listen too and a real gentleman. My condolences to his family.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 30, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Phillips family and friends in the loss of Wally.
Mike Dessimoz
March 30, 2008
I worked for Wally as a 'gofer' during his brief venture in TV...a man on the street show on the sidewalk outside Tribune Tower. I have yet to meet anyone universally "real" as he was -- to EVERYONE he encountered.
I don't know if it is mentioned elsewhere in these messages, but I also give him great praise for having brought Roy Leonard to Chicago. The two of them bet one day of on air work in the other city, just before a game in 1967 when my beloved White Sox and the Red Sox were fighting for the pennant . Roy lost, loved Chicago when he visited (naturally), and shortly thereafter he became ours forever.
I'm sure Wally's family is comforted by how much love is being shared here. Few deserve the overhwelming sense of good will he is now getting -- giving it was his mission.
Judy Hoyer
March 30, 2008
I, too, remember Wally as a soft spoken and very engaging personality...although I didn't know him personally, he seemed to listeners as "What you see is what you get!"...a caring, personable, soft spoken, funny, genuinelly nice guy. He has been missed, and will never be replaced. My sympathies to his family. God comfort you in your loss.
Marlene Huntley
March 30, 2008
When I was a freshman at NCC in Naperville, I started to listen to WGN. When I graduated from college and came back to Wi. I was still listening to WGN. Now that I am a retired teacher I still listen to WGN. How I miss Eddie Hubbard, Wally, Bob, Franklin McCormick, and all the others that are no longer broadcasting. There is no other radio station that can compare to WGN. God bless you all for keeping me company all these years.
Susan Alfers - Kennealy
March 30, 2008
I am sorry to hear about your loss. My family was friends with Wally when I was a child and he visited our home many times. Over the years, I had lost track of him. However, I remember him as being a kind man.
My thoughts are with you.
David Heusinkveld
March 30, 2008
Barbara
My sympathy is with you and your family . You have lost a wonderful husband and father to your family . He was one of the best on the radio .
May God be with you and your Family ..
David and Jean Heusinkveld
Lake Havasu AZ.
DENISE MCGROGAN RYAN
March 30, 2008
FOR OUR ENTIRE CHILDHOOD THERE
WERE NO ALARMS AT OUR HOUSE, ONLY CLOCK-RADIOS WHICH WOULD WAKE EACH OF US TO THE PLEASANT VOICE OF OUR FRIEND WALLY. OUR FATHER WOULD BE LISTENING MUCH EARLIER, SO HE WOULD TELL EACH OF US WHAT WE HAD MISSED. HE WAS OUR SUNSHINE
ON EACH NEW DAY.
THANK YOU, WALLY'S FAMILY, FOR SHARING YOUR VERY SPECIAL FATHER WITH US.
HE WAS A GIFT TO EVERYONE.
Steve Morse
March 30, 2008
When I was in grade school, before he left for work, my father and I would sit each morning at the kitchen table and play a game or two of Battleship while Wally Phillips entertained us from the radio on top of the fridge. It was alright for me to talk when Wally played "Winchester Cathedral," "These Boots Were Made For Walking," or "Downtown", but I had to be silent during "The Adventures of Chickenman" and "Ellery Queen's Minute Mystery." Thanks for the memories Wally. You'll truly be missed.
March 30, 2008
I was in Quincy. IL this week and on Thursday my thoughts suddenly turned to WGN and Wally Phillips-I tried to tune in 720 to no avail but couldn't figure out why. When I got home I found out why.
Rest in peace, Wally. Bob Bell has been waiting for you to sart playing practical jokes again.
steven pellini
March 30, 2008
I was in Quincy. IL this week and on Thursday my thoughts suddenly turned to WGN and Wally Phillips-I tried to tune in 720 to no avail but couldn't figure out why. When I got home I found out why.
Rest in peace, Wally. Bob Bell has been waiting for you to sart playing practical jokes again.
Robert Ritt
March 30, 2008
I wish to express how sorry I am at Wally's passing. He was the very best at what he did and that is what made him so popular with all different age groups and people from all walks of life. He used to call me "The Friendly Astronomer" when he would call in the morning with questions on Astronomy or to answer the questions of listners that saw something in the sky! He will be missed greatly by myself and all of the thousands of friends he had made over the years. May God be with you Wally. Robert J. Ritt
March 29, 2008
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May you treasure your many memories and the love of family and friends sustain you. May the word of God give you comfort - John 3:16.
Father James Modeen
March 29, 2008
I am sad at Wally's passing. I remember when he called Ben Gingess the tuxedo king on a cruise ship and said, "Ben I'm calling from the store. Where do you keep the fire extinguishers?" Classic.
Pat Hughes
March 29, 2008
I Listened to Wally every morning
before going to work. He made my
day. He will be missed.
Thanks for everything Wally.
Robert Plechaty
March 29, 2008
Thanks Wally.......
Kathy Wentzel
March 29, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Wally's passing. I have lived in Texas for the past 24 yrs. and missed his show terribly when I moved here. I listened to Wally everyday for years and there just was no one his equal. What a wonderful guy he was. My sincere sympathy.
Ron Lupo
March 29, 2008
Wally helped me through my freshman & sophmore high school homework in the late '50s, when he would play my favorite records.
Not only did he mention my name on the air a few times, he even would write me friendly notes of encouragement.
I remember his kind & soothing words after the Lady of Angels school fire in 1958.
Wally was THE best radio personality of all times. What wonderful memories we have of him, and what tremendous pride all his family members must have for this wonderful person.
How lucky we all were he decided to come to Chicago and became our own "Kemo Sabe."
Jean Dusenberry
March 29, 2008
What a loss the world has suffered! I can remember listening to Wally back in the late 50's and early 60's. What a hoot he was. He brought so much pleasure to so many people. May God Bless Him.
Rosemary (Buckle) Sollinger
March 29, 2008
I only met Wally eight months ago. He was tenderly cared for at the same facility as my father, who just passed away this month as well. We all became friends. I never heard his program, but I feel so fortunate to have spent time visiting with him, seeing him smile, and watching sports with him and Dad. Thanks for those memories Wally. God Bless you and your family.
Jean Wood
March 29, 2008
Wally Phillips woke me each morning before I could leave for work. One morninng he played a recording of Lily Marlene sung in German. I called him, asking for the name of the artist so that i could obtain the record. He said that it was out of print but if I would set up my tape recorder, he would call me at certain time and play the recording for me. I did this and recorded the song. About two weeks later I received a large envelope from Wally with a copy of the sheet music for "Lily Marlene" with German lyrics enclosed. He said, "You wanted to learn this song in German; hope this will help". I was amazed that he would remember my request. Of course, I still have the sheet music, and yes, I did learn the song in German.
Jan Lindmark Lindmark
March 29, 2008
My sincere condolences to Wally's family. We moved to Des Plaines in 1962 and began our day listening to him. We always left the house with smiles on our faces because he was with us each morning. The world is a sadder place without him but we know heaven is richer for his presence. God bless you Wally for all the wonderful things you accomplished in your lifetime. You have been and will continue to be greatly missed.
Forrest "Frosty" Respess
March 29, 2008
I had the pleasure of working for WGN news from 1971 to 1994. The majority of my work was as a TV news producer. However, my first two years included producing the newscasts read by Len Johnson on Wally Phillips' show.
During my tenure with WGN, I worked with two of the most gracious and talented broadcasters: John Drury and Wally Phillips.
Neither of them ever tried to impress you with the fact that they were two leaders in Chicago broadcasting.
Above all, they were true gentlemen.
George Page
March 29, 2008
When I moved to Chicago from Detroit, I happened to find Wally one morning on the dial. My radio never left WGN until Mr. Phillips retired from the station.
E. J. Hutchinson
March 28, 2008
I listened to Wally Phillips for many years while he worked days and when he went afternoons. On several
occassions I talked with him about numerous things and always found a gentleman there. He was greatly missed when he left WGN.
Barb Reuss
March 28, 2008
I used to listen to Wally Phillips on Sat. mornings while in high school in the late 1950's. When I married and raised our family WGN was on from Wally at 6 a.m. until my husband walked in the door from work at 6:30 pm.
Wally Phillips had a unique show . The show and he were a part of my life for decades. I sure missed the WGN family when we retired to Alabama in 1994. Thank you Wally for years of great entertainment and fond memories.
Carl D. Jaffe
March 28, 2008
Having spent time in Chicago during the 80's, I got to hear Wally Phillips on WGN on many occasions. I found him very congenial & enjoyable to listen to.
Wally Phillips was truly a radio legend, and a Chicago one as well, who wil certainly be missed by many.
HelenMarie Wessel
March 28, 2008
Wally presented my husband with a trans oceanic radio for participating in a contest for Mobil Oil stations for providing good service,Wally was our hero,,,we loved him,,God Bless his family..with Deepest Sympathy
Ronald Survillas
March 28, 2008
What a gentlemans gentleman. I grew up driving the x pressways in the mornings listening to wally. He sent my wife and I to the Pump room for a dinner. He will be missed.
May he rest in peace.
Ivan Krpan
March 28, 2008
Wally Phillips was pure and simply just a class act. Seeing today what is on the radio as you go from station to station, you find good and bad both. Mr. Phillips will always be what was good in radio. Thank you.
Jeffrey Lemm
March 28, 2008
Thanks for all the hours of entertainment. Rest in peace.
Duncan and Ellie Fleming
March 28, 2008
Wally will be remembered and admired for his many acts of generosity and caring for others. Our sincere sympathy goes to Barbara and her family.
Kathleen O'Day
March 28, 2008
Mr. Phillips WAS Chicago in so many ways!!! Anyone who ever lived or worked there and didn't know his radio work missed out on an enormous part of the city. I fondly remember listening to his shows during our commute into the city! He made it so much more enjoyable. God Bless all his family!
A long time WGN listener
March 28, 2008
Wally Phillips sent me to school, Bob Collins sent me to work, Franklin McCormick lulled me to sleep....three greats voices and men that are meeting again. Condolences to Wally's family, he will be remembered by all the hearts he has touched.
Mary Kennedy
March 28, 2008
As I grew up, Wally was a guest at our breakfast table (or perhaps we at his) every morning. I still remember the "minute mysteries" and how I had to talk my Dad out of posting my name on one of Wally's matchmaking signs over the Kennedy expressway. There was always a good laugh, and often something worth learning, too, especially about the importance of community even in a city as big as Chicago. The Neediest Kids fund remained a favorite of my folks all their lives. These things will not be forgotten. My condolences to the Phillips family upon their loss, and a salute to Wally.
Mary Anne Fitzgerald
March 28, 2008
I was extremely saddened to learn of Wally's death; he was a class act and will be remembered with fondness. My condolences to his wife, Barbara, and their children, Todd, Holly and Jennifer.
Jacqui Wakeley
March 28, 2008
I had the honor of meeting Wally and assisting him late in his battle with this terrible disease. I will always remember the time we spent talking about his wonderful memories of the radio days and looking through his fantastic memory book. I truly admired this man and I know he will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. My life is better for having known him.
Ken Schmidt
March 28, 2008
Yes, that radio on top of the refrigerator. Yet it was not a radio, but a voice. That voice was Wally Philips. A comforting, warm human. And he had fun while he informed us just as Uncle Bobby did later. It was indeed "a people place" as he used to say, and I think the world better because of it.
K F
March 28, 2008
Wally Phillips may have forgotten Chicago because of his alzheimers but Chicago will never forget him.
He was "Chicago". May he rest in Peace. Love and prayers to his family.
PAT CUNNINGHAM
March 28, 2008
EVERYONE IN CHICAGO LOVED
WALLY PHILLIPS. MY SISTER JOANNE
WAS ONE OF HIS BIGGEST FANS.
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO HIS
FAMILY.
Jon Graska
March 28, 2008
I am very, very sorry to hear of Wally's passing. I was privileged to spend some time with him in 1962 when I was starting a radio career in Grand Haven, Mi, not too far from where he got his start in Grand Rapids at WJEF. I copied a lot of what Wally did, so I flattered him by copying from the best. A few times in later years when I was at WKBZ in Muskegon, Mi. he would call for some info on things like what the weather was like there for the Chicago to Mackinac yacht race, Muskegon being a stop-over point. Having spent a lot of years in broadcasting I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, but the two who had the most impact on me were Wally and Gerald R Ford. I have missed hearing Wally and will miss him even more that he has passed away.
God Bless Wally Phillips!
Rest in Peace my friend!
Dan Heltness
March 28, 2008
I was fortunate to be an listener in the early years, as Wally's influence and audience extended well into outstate Illinois. My condolences to the family & friends of this great man, and thanks for the memories.............
Elaine Piltz
March 28, 2008
I grew up listening to Wally Phillips on the radio and then my children grew up with him. I loved his show -Wally Phillips became a Chicago Icon. He will be missed by all
Janet O'Neill
March 28, 2008
My Dad was with Wally in the same care center for the last year. they loved to watch the Cubs and Bears games. Wally, even though battleing Alzheimers had a great sense of humor. Dad left this world a couple of weeks ago, I hope they can meet up in heaven. God Bless.
gloria clark
March 28, 2008
Although "Uncle Bobby" was my "first love" Wally was my second and Roy my third. I never had a bad day listening to Wally and WGN. I still do. I so enjoyed the tribute program Thursday night on Milt Rosenberg's show. Thank goodness tapes are saved - Wally's not really gone - just on hiatus. My thanks for all the great days he gave us.
Stephen Hofferkamp
March 28, 2008
I had the opportunity to talk to Wally on the radio, answering his quiz questions and winning prizes. I also had the opportunity to meet Wally at Yorktown Shopping Center, where he autographed his book for me (back in 1978).
He was a big part of everyone's life. Listening to him every weekday from 5:30 to 10 was like having a personal conversation with him. His endless dedication to the Needy Kids' Fund and to Chicago radio will never be forgotten.
We'll miss ya, Old Buddy.
Mark Curatolo
March 28, 2008
I had the great pleasure to have worked with Wally for four years in the mid 1990’s as we promoted a health plan for seniors. To call him a gentleman would be an understatement. His integrity and honesty were only part of the story. He was fun to be around, extremely intelligent and dedicated. His neediest kids charity was always on his mind and he promoted fairness and tolerance. We became great friends outside of our work and I always felt his questions about my family were sincere. A great man has passed. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends worldwide.
Steve Ridge
March 28, 2008
Wally was the funnist guy on radio.I'll always remember the annual april 1 coverage of the "jet Pack Man"
wally and fran thelen
March 28, 2008
to the phillips family: our deepest sympathy to you. We listened to Wally constantly. There should be more radio personalities like him who told it like it was. God bless.
Don Hardy
March 28, 2008
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Wally brought much joy and happiness into our lives. He will forever will in memory and his book which we love.
Don and Denny Hardy
Jay Brinker
March 28, 2008
I lived in Chicago for 3 years in the mid 1980's and have many fond memories listening to Wally. Rest in peace.
Barry Caris
March 28, 2008
Wally was the most generous person I ever met. He was a perfect gentleman. I want Barbara to know how much we will miss him.
Tina Akers
March 28, 2008
Growing up in Chicago I remember my mother always had Wally on in the morning, he was a Chicago institution.
Kristin DiBenedetto
March 28, 2008
I wanted to share a special story about Wally Phillips with his family.
In 1979 I was an 8th grade student at St. George School in Tinley Park. Our class spent the entire year raising money to take a graduation trip to Disney world. 5 days before we were to leave in May, the travel agent stole our money and we were told our trip would be cancelled. My friend's mom (Pat Tubay) was a regular listener to Wally and called and told him our story. He gave us the money to take our trip! We couldn't believe his generosity!! I was too young to listen to his show at the time but I will always remember what a generous gift he gave to our class. We were just 50 students from an unknown school in the suburbs at the time, yet he thought we were worthy of the gift he gave. What a kind and generous man! My prayers and condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Kristin
Chris Blume
March 28, 2008
God Bless you for being more than an Icon in this city. You were a shining example of the good guy that finished first. Kindness, hard work, dedication and talent goes a long way. With your talent you could have been Johnny Carson...instead you were our friend. Thank you for sharing with us.
God Bless
Bill Burnham
March 28, 2008
As a traveling salesman from Green Bay, Wally kept me company for 20 years as I traveled all over the state every day. What a class act and role model human being he was. He and WGN even made me a "closet" Bear fan!
Jim Frediani
March 28, 2008
Wally was a genius at what he did. I listened to him for the entire time he was at WGN. I often wondered why other jocks weren't successful with his style. But as I said, he was a genius.
Morton Rosen
March 28, 2008
Dear Barbara:
I was so sorry to hear of Wally's passing. He was my friend from the first day he came to Chicago from Cinncinnati. Together we made his Christmas for Kids charity a huge success by offering a prize of new Fords that I donated over a period of many years and cars.
Marilyn Miller has continued to be in touch with me .
My thoughts are with Todd, Holly and Jennifer as well as you.
Love, Mort Rosen
Pinky Bradley
March 28, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the family of Wally Phillips - What a kind soul and individual he was! I worked as Secretary to the Commander of Special Services at USNH, Great Lakes; back in the 60's -- during the apex of the Viet Nam conflict; at which time there were 1,800 veterans in USNH; Mr. Phillips came out and entertained the veterans; wasn't afraid to go on all the floors; to talk to whomever would talk to him; he had a very engaging way of communication. He was a special man; with a special heart. I enjoyed meeting him; and seeing what he did for the welfare of the veterans. #My own mother had Alzheimers'; it is such a devastating and tragic illness -- but gives the loved ones time to remember all the quality time one had with that individual - #Blessings to Mr. Phillips' family; God bless you all --
Sincerley,
Norma ("Pinky") Bradley
Tammy Matteson
March 28, 2008
My condolences to the Phillips family on your loss. I was brought up with Wally Phillips, my grandmother never missed him--if Wally said it was going to rain, then we brought our umbrellas. Now, once again, Wally can give my grandmother the weather report. What a loss to your family and the WGN listening family, may he rest in peace.
Neil Ryan
March 28, 2008
Part of Chicago died with you and thanks for all the happiness and kindness that you brought to our city.
Merry Allen
March 28, 2008
I grew up listening to Wally with my father Don Allen. My father was blind and Wally really made our day listening and sometimes calling up to chat with him. His wittiness and love of people came over the airwaves like a breath of fresh air. Heavens gain is our loss. God bless and God speed.
Mike Rotello
March 28, 2008
It was just plain fun to listen to his show.
Lee & Joanne
March 28, 2008
I remember when Wally would play the barking dogs at Christmas time.
It always made me laugh. You never know how much you'll miss something
until it's gone. Wally, I know you are in a better place.
Tara Spence
March 28, 2008
Dear Jennifer,
I never knew your dad nor his place in the hearts of so many. I do know that he would be incredibly proud of the woman you've become. It appears he did many things right. I'm sorry for your loss and my condolences go to you and your family.
louise wisinski
March 28, 2008
Wally Phillips was a great part of my youth. There'll never be another. My sympathies to the family.
Dennis Duffner
March 28, 2008
Thanks, Wally, for making growing up in Chicago so much fun. I can imagine that you and Uncle Bobby are up there doing interviews and schtick right now.
God bless.
Pat Draeger
March 28, 2008
I also grew up listening to Wally with my dad. My condolences are with your family. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever. I still say "rabbit, rabbit, rabbit" to myself (smiling) each and every morning thinking about Wally and my friends who are also fans.
Satch Dobrey
March 28, 2008
Deepest sympathy for Wally's family. He was simply the best radio host ever. His warmth, humor and creative intellect along with his generous nature changed people's lives on a daily basis. Those that have followed pale in comparison.
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