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JOHN BIRCHARD Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN BIRCHARD
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Eric Grove
August 27, 2022
It´s been about five years since your passing. I remember listening to you hosting R. S. V. P. back in the 1970´s. Very informative and entertaining program. R.I.P.
Peter Anderson
June 17, 2018
Now is the season of leave-takings and fond memories. One by one the circle dwindles, and now I bid farewell to John, my friend of more than half a century.
We first met in the basement of the Hotel Bond in Hartford, the then-home of WCCC. (Station owner Bill Savitt would rather we referred to the stations location as the hotels lower lobby, and so we did. Down the hall were the public restrooms and the buildings garbage room.) It was from that rather grim setting we serenaded Hartford and beyond with recorded music the likes of which is sadly missing these days. Johns nightly jazz program, distinguished by impeccable good taste and knowledgeable comments, set the standard for that genre. When he left to join WTIC as a radio producer and host of a Saturday night jazz program, I assumed his role at WCCC, guided by the example he had set. I later took a part-time announcing job at WTICI was concurrently starting my career in public television productionand when John moved on, I once again continued the program hed originated there.
But our lives minglings werent only work related. We spent time together enjoying the sports car races at Lime Rock Park, drove our identical British racing green MGB GTs in convoy to the Grand Prix at Watkins Glen where our press passes gave us access to virtually the entire track, and attended the Newport Jazz Festival where, once again, we were able to explore the backstage area much to our delight. I fondly recall the breakfast we shared with the legendary Cannonball Adderley, his brother Nat, and pianist Joe Zawinul. The sixth person at the table was the pretty, young schoolteacher who would become my bride. John was among the handful of guests at our intimate Christmas wedding several years later.
Although our professional lives took us in different directions, we stayed in touch. Ours was one of those friendship in which the conversation seamlessly resumed despite a pause of years. We got together only twice after John joined the VOA: once for dinner in Connecticut when he introduced Susan and me to Donna, and more recently for lunch when they were in the area for sad family business. At that time John had been dealing with the effects of the disease that finally took him from us, but his will was strong and his spirits high.
John later shared his funeral plans with me, we exchanged obituaries, and like the two old gents we had somehow become, we spoke freely about the inevitable. And now, for him, it has arrived. As in our earliest days together I shall follow him, and will do so knowing that he has paved the way with dignity and class. As always. That was John. We are all better for having had him in our lives.
Chris Evans
October 14, 2017
I worked with John at both WELI and at KC101, when I did the morning show in the 1980s. We shared a mutual love of auto racing, and he was an absolute class act in every respect. Just discovered his passing today, 10/14.
Alene Tate
September 20, 2017
It was my distinct pleasure to know and work with John and with his wife, Donna, for many years. I first met John when I was a repeated guest on the call-in radio program which he hosted on WELI Radio. He possessed a personality and breadth of knowledge which made his guests feel comfortable at all times.
My husband, Oyarma, and I offer our sincere condolences to John's family. RIP, John.
Barbara Baker-Dykens
September 18, 2017
I wish I had met John in person. I met him through his wife Donna and his website. His music was amazing and I enjoyed listening to it. Over the last year, I came to realize that John was a very special person with many talents and a personality full of wisdom and wit. He will always remain in my memories. I am richer for having John cross my path of life.
September 15, 2017
A good man is gone. John and I worked together at WTIC in Hartford back in the 80's, when the station was in its prime. I shall always remember his reasoned approach to all things political and all things radio. Our paths would not cross again, even though we both wound up in the Washington area later in life.
My sincere condolences to John's family.
Sincerely,
Bryant Thomas
Rochester, NH
Eric Grove
September 11, 2017
Worked with John Birchard at WAVZ/KC101 in the mid 1980's. He was a fantastic News Director and News Reporter. R.I.P. Mr. Birchard.
September 7, 2017
My husband and I enjoyed many evenings listening to John on WELI. I recall one evening when we went to a local bakery and brought fresh-baked rolls to him at the studio. He loved it.
our condolences to his family. Love and Peace, Jean and John Alexander, West Haven, CT
Bob Scherago
September 7, 2017
It was my great pleasure to work with John at WTIC in Hartford, and later at VOA. He was truly a gentleman, and a friend. My condolences to his family.
Bill White
September 7, 2017
Was lucky enough to work with John at
VOA . A great newscaster with a vast broadcasting experience . It was a real honor to direct many
Of his VOA newscasts
September 7, 2017
My deepest sympathy to his family. John was a terrific communicator in his profession,
and I enjoyed working with him at the Quinnipiac Intercollegiate Jazz Festivals.
May he rest in Peace.
Frank Gambardella
General Chairman, QCIJF
Robert Cohen
September 7, 2017
It was an honor to have worked with John in the VOA Worldwide English Service. His easygoing demeanor and professionalism was loved and respected by everyone he worked with. He brought with him a stellar and comprehensive resume of work experience that few people knew about.
September 7, 2017
My condolences to the family. May the peace of God and the fond memories you cherish comfort and sustain you in your time of need.
-RM
KELLEY
September 4, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
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