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Jerry Williams Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Williams
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Mark Zinan
July 24, 2023
Still miss him, Gene Burns, and the whole WRKO shtick from the 80s. Met him once at the Hobby Fair in Mattapan Square. Thanks for 50 years of great radio and TV.
Edward Dalton
January 13, 2020
Miss his radio show every day! All his predictions regarding the political scene came true.
Bruce Moore
May 10, 2003
Just think about it! I became a fan of yours simply because a Jamaica Plain coffee shop owner was fined for playing a radio for his customers' enjoyment! May you rest in peace. God bless you and thank you. Your fan forever, Bruce B. Moore
Andrew Walker
May 2, 2003
I'm thankful for having growing up in Boston, and having a voice of reasoning during one of the city's
most voltile periods.
Jerry Williams, gave me the fire to
argue my points of view, but with
compassion and objectiveness.
Thanks for the memories.
Leslie Gibson
May 2, 2003
I remember going to see you at WMEX with my older brother who was studying at Emerson College. I sat in the audience and you threw me a bagel....thanks!
Mitzi and Chuck Gerstein
May 2, 2003
April 30,2003,
Yesterday, "The Kid From Brooklyn" left us for greener pastures. I will miss him although recently one heard very little about him. The first time I caught him on the air was Chicago 1968, that was the year of the Democratic Convention the one that cost Hubert Humphrey, the presidency and one of initial and largest Against the Vietnam War Protest. Radio was not that sophisticated as far as distance and clarity was concerned. There was a lone and loud voice in the wee hours of the morning pleading with the youth "Stay Home!" "Stay Home!" One of the few opponents who had the guts to go public was Jerry Williams, the kid that went to High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. The name Erasamus sticks in my mind. I am not sure of it but the way he said it like he said so many other things it just stayed with me all these years. He talked about that High School as one who speaks about the most prestigious institutions in the country. To my knowledge, he was "street wise" and lacked a higher education. He could hold his own with many of the best from the world of academia. To me he was the "Dean of Talk Shows:" One of the most remembered and inaccessible guests was Malcolm X. and others that talkmasters envied him for. I think that Malcolm X's inerview gained him entrance to the Radio Hall of Fame. He served his country well with the Air Force in the China Burma India Theatre of Operations during W. W. II. He often had to cite his credentials to those who baited him most of the time. Yes, they were out there and they were after him all the time! Most of them were too ignorant to realize that it was that baiting that really made him tick! And he could tick with them on the same level as a valuable Rollex. There were times of course when I did not agree with him. He could be controversial to match the best of other talkmasters. Once you called him or listened to him and heard the lines "Chuck He's really a ni.......ce guy" and then to fend off a dead end up came "To know me is to love me",just a couple of his favorites You were hooked. I listened to him hours upon hours wherever and however I could find him. Today's radio does not seem to support the controversies and discussions of years gone by. The announcers today seem to talk one down and use that button if you don't agree. Most of them are biased and pompous. Yes, I missed him for a long time on radio and remembered the pleasant hours of traveling to and back from work because of Jerry Williams. I can honestly say that he helped me in his own most articulate manner of working in radio increase my appetite for politics. Goodbye old friend.
Paul Dugan
May 2, 2003
Good Night, good luck, good night.You were the best, top shelf. Rest in peace
Margaret McNulty
May 1, 2003
May you rest in peace. You were one of the Bast
joan newman
May 1, 2003
You were our experience to talk radio. We missed you when you left, and will always remember how you opened our minds and educated us in all aspects. May you rest in peace.
Ed Rzepala
May 1, 2003
In these time of ever increasing encroachment upon our personal liberties and freedom, Jerry's message resonates with greater significance. He often said, "I just want to be left alone." Listening to Jerry was like getting an advanced degree in human relations every day. Not a bad guy. Rest in peace.
Jim Armstrong
May 1, 2003
We all learned from his knowledge and also his humor.I prefer to remember his laughter as he played the survey of the "Washing Machine Lady"each year. Thanks for your insight and Rest in Peace.
Steve Murphy
May 1, 2003
Jerry was a true radio icon and a true gentleman. The radio community has lost one of its shining stars. Whether you agreed or disagreed with him, he made you think about issues. My prayers go out to Jerry's family.
Linda Jodrey Gurney
May 1, 2003
A most gracious person; the raspy texture of Jerry's voice is not to be ignored or forgotten. When I called-in, he knew me as 'Elanda Remool'; my sincere condolences to you for his physical absence; always remember that each of you had at least one common bond..Peace Be With You.
Bill Files
May 1, 2003
I am a transplant from Cape Cod and the South Shore of Boston. Jerry inspired me to have a career in Radio. He was truly an American Treasure. We will miss him very much
God Speed Jerry Williams!
bart farris
May 1, 2003
I moved to Massachusetts in 1987 and Jerry Williams was the man who taught me all about Mass politics. Not a bad guy! Thanks Jerry and Good Night and Good Luck to you, too.
Lennie Malvone
May 1, 2003
My political activism started with my Intoduction to Jerry Williams back in th 60'. HE stirred my emotions and built the fire of involvment under me , and for that I will be eternally grateful to this man Good Night Jerry Williams God speed.
Paul Coran
May 1, 2003
I grew up on listening to Jerry Williams from the late 1950's on. He always set the standard for erudite but yet stimulating talk hosts. He had a passion that went way beyond just sheer entertainment or exposition of current events. Jerry Williams enriched my mind and my perspective of the world around me.
Pamela DeFranzo
May 1, 2003
My sympathies to his family. Jerry was very special, and I like many others learned a lot from his radio show. He knew no fear and really knew how to draw out the real feelings of bigots & frauds.
Lois DiVita
May 1, 2003
My late husband and I would turn the radio on and listen to Jerry every night. Sometimes he was so worked up that we would end up not getting too much sleep as we would get worked up also, and have to discuss whatever was being discussed.
My sympathies to you...he will be missed.
Joseph Fuller
May 1, 2003
I will always remember Jerry Williams. His broadcasts were such a large part of my youth growing up in Hull.
I particularly remember how he could tell of events in his life and make me feel like I truly knew him. I was so touched when he would tell of his Mother's final days when she was sick in the hospital ward.
Mr. Williams taught us all so much. Thanks.
Rest in peace and God Bless your family.
Ann Jackman
May 1, 2003
Dear Sue, Andie, and Taylor:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless you.
Ann Jackman
Bob Espejo
April 30, 2003
My thoughts and prayers to the Williams family.
SAM BARECE
April 30, 2003
You'll be missed!! TO DO, IS TO BE!
TO BE OR NOT TO BE!!!
DO BE DO BE DO!! [sinatra]
YES!! You will be missed
David Bonazzoli
April 30, 2003
I grew up near Boston, and I remember listening to Jerry when he did "the ten to midnite ride with Jerry Williams" on WBZ. I learned a lot from him, and enjoyed him again, much later on 680 WRKO. I will miss hearing him very much. He was smart, and also funny and entertaining. David Bonazzoli
Paul Corkhum
April 30, 2003
I enjoyed Jerrys' talk show very much. I finally got to meet him August of 2002, he let me park my car in his driveway while attending the Marshfield fair. I spent a great deal of time talking with Jerry, a wonderful person, so glad I got to meet the man behind the voice I listened to for so many years. I'm sure his presence will be sorely missed. My brother, Kevin Corkhum was Jerrys' accountant, and he introduced me to Jerry.
Diann Corbett Fox29
April 30, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with Taylor and the Williams family at this time.
Peter
April 30, 2003
Admirable
Marc Scarsella
April 30, 2003
I will always fondly remember all the years listening to Jerry from WMEX to WRKO. His candor, zeal and fight on behalf of just causes has changed many attitudes. I was with him in New Braintree and last saw him the last time the tall ships came into Boston. Thank you Jerry for all your years of dedication. We will never forget you. Rest in peace
Steven A
April 30, 2003
I am what I am today partly due to you and the true knowledge you brought me and opened up my eyes to the bigger scope and meaning of my surroundings. I am and always will be grateful to you.
Michael Potty
April 30, 2003
Jerry, You made me laugh and got me involved with the issues of the day... Now you are a full fledged member of the "SmoHawks", Good Bye...
Paul Leonard
April 30, 2003
"Good night, good luck, good morning, good night T. Jerry's nightly sign off no matter what radio station he appeared on in Boston. You will be remembered as the true pioneer of talk radio in the New England area. Our loss is talk radio in the great beyond's gain.
Gary Dixon
April 30, 2003
It's always sad when a 'broadcast legend' leaves us. Jerry Williams had such a unique talent...and I enjoyed listening to him when I lived in Massachusetts. Even though he wasn't everybody's favorite, several talk-show imitators have tried to capture Jerry's delivery and style. I guess if there's such a thing as 'Divine Clear Channel Radio'in Heaven...Jerry is now part of the afternoon lineup! I'm sure the archangels are crazy about him?
Steve Marx
April 30, 2003
I have been a talk show junkie since the age of 12 - some 35 years ago - and grew up with Jerry. He certainly was the pioneer and set the standard for intellectual and stimulating talk on the airways. I felt badly when Jerry left talk radio a number of years ago and am equally saddened today. The industry has lost a true icon. Good Night, Good Morning, Good Luck and Good Bye.
Paul Autuori
April 30, 2003
I received an education from Jerry that was priceless. He could talk on any topic from politics( his passion ) , comedy, gambling, etc. A truly well informed and highly intelligent man.
You taught me a lot over the past 30 years Jerry, Thanks.
Good Night, Good Luck and Good Bye.
Bill Jameson
April 30, 2003
I, among many of course, was an avid listener. In the beginning, when the Big Dig was being discussed, and the budget was in the low billions, Jerry said to wait until it's done ~ it'll be 15-billion. And it is. I'd have liked to have listened to him longer. So long, Jerry.
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