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JOEL SPIVAK Obituary
JOEL A., a well-known television news anchor, feature reporter, and talk show host in Philadelphia from 1968-1980, and a communication leader in the fight against tobacco, passed away on March 4, 2011 at his home in Alexandria, VA. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann Decker Spivak; daughter, Amanda Clare Spivak Barrett; sons, Matthew Alexander and Jonathan Moss Spivak; grandchildren, Russell Thomas and Peter Kevin Barrett Jr., Isaac Jonathan and Natasha Jane Spivak; brother, Steven Glenn Spivak; and nephew, Charles Allyn Spivak. Those who knew Joel will remember him as being a faithful friend to Rolleaux. Friends may call on Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 5-8 P.M.. at EVERLY-WHEATLEY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 11 A.M. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids or the Washington Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOEL SPIVAK
John
December 11, 2024
Listened to Joel for years and it's funny how you somewhat know a person through that process. Had the unexpected pleasure of finally meeting him in person. Wife and I were Christmas shopping and were waiting in line and I overheard a couple behind us talking and immediately recognized Joel's voice. I turned around and said "love your show" and in his typical Spivak dry humor replied "don't say that too loud someone might hold that against you". Of course I laughed and said "that's gonna be there problem not mine". We wished each other a merry X Mas and departed. My wife turned to me as we were leaving and whispered who was that? I chuckled and said nobody I would admit to knowing....
John
December 1, 2024
Just was remembering the dentist my mom took us to, always had WCAU on. And I remember thr music intro to The Joal A.Spivak show.
Bob Genevro
August 2, 2022
I loved listening to Joel in the San Francisco Bay Area driving from my job as a Preschool Teacher. I think it was in the 80s. He was the best. And now (at 71), here I am in bed writing this kind message. As Maya Angelou said: You will forget what he said, you will forget what he did, but you'll never forget how he made you feel.
Bill & Janis Corsair
April 2, 2011
Providence, Rhode Island radio, in the late 50s, early to mid 60s was the place where so many super talents honed their acts. It was a mecca, of sorts, for on-air personalities who checked in, for indeterminate periods, before being scooped up by the super powers of nearby Boston and the rest of the top 20 markets. Perhaps it was because it was a city/state venue; small enough to allow unique talents to escape the bonds of overzealous Program Directors and yet big enough to present the audience and challenge of a major market. Whichever, it was a hot bed of super, unique talent. If you didn't learn from the air talent on R.I. radio, at that time, you couldn't be taught.
Outstanding in that heady period was Joel A. Spivak. He did midmornings following New England legend Salty Brine, on CapCities’ WPRO.
"Format Radio" at that time demanded on-air personal to exhibit the ability to bark out time, temperature and call letters, while "talking-up" the next top forty 45. If you could get in all those elements and still identify the group and selection, over the instrumental music bed of your next "hit", just in time for the end of your pitch and the first word of the lyric of the song, you were something to be admired and monetarily rewarded for. This, to me, was a dubious talent but in demand, at that time.
Into this mechanical broadcast world came Joel A Spivak. More Jack Benny than Cousin Brucie. A slow, methodic, almost monotone, delivery that defied the norm. It was never a surprise to hear him lift the needle off a selection, he deemed unworthy, make a hilariously dry, witty comment and then proceed to the next selection on the playlist. Did I say dry? The only way to listen to this master of dry wit was with a full tumbler of water at hand. The tenacity and talent necessary to defy the strict norm of the day, speaks volumes of the Spivak mystique.
I never bought into the "the music is the message" concept. To me, the same music was available everywhere, the "personality" was the meat in the sandwich. Did you want to be a mechanic or an entertainer? The seasoned and successful Joel A. gave me confidence that there was room for creativity and humor in this strict environment and I join with those who owe him tribute for that confirmation.
In the early 70s I took on the all night talk slot on the, then, CBS O&O, 50,000 watt, clear channel, WCAU in Philadelphia. The morning drive personality was Joel A. Spivak. I had a 5 1/2 hour air shift, from midnight to five thirty, weekdays, but Saturday carried with it an extra half hour and brought me face to face with the giant of broadcasting, Mr.Spivak. First week we had a brief exchange, during a spot cluster and station ID and that was it. Pleasant enough and in keeping with the distance in status between the new kid on the all night show and the most powerful personality in Philly radio.
Monday night, I checked my station mail box and found a hand written note, of some length, stating that this person had received several calls, on the air and off, regarding my first week on the air. Thank goodness they were all highly flattering and the author stated, I still remember: "You must be very proud to have made such an impact in such a short time. Congratulations."
It was signed, Joel A. Spivak.
After that I looked forward to Saturdays at 6 AM. I'd sit, off to the side, while Joel un-reeled fifteen to twenty minute monologues off the top of that brilliant head, that had flashes of Jean Shepherd, Mort Saul and, of course, the afore mentioned Jack Benny, but always unmistakably Spivak. At the end of a six hour talk shift, to witness this friendly genius, create, was irresistible and to some insane.
During breaks, we'd chat and always dominant in the conversation was the young son, living with him at that time. He shared glimpse of the latest adventure the Father and Son had that week. His pride was unmistakable and, on numerous occasions he'd wistfully, or as "wistful" as Joel got, pridefully sigh: "he's a very special young man".
I received an offer from D.C., several years later, when my wife Janis and I wrapped a run as co-hosts of a Talk/Entertainment TV Show, for PostNewsweek, which was tempting but came with a catch I couldn't abide. Perhaps if I'd known Spivak was there, I might have had second thoughts, with the prospect of witnessing those great early morning monologues that should have been encased in gold. Alas, it was not to be.
I was truly moved when I heard of Joel’s passing. "He was a very special young man" and I was indeed blessed to have known such a giant.
Joel and his family are in our prayers, and his memory is in our hearts, forever.
Kathleen Quaid-Weisz
March 10, 2011
I was privileged to work with Joel at WCAU AM & TV as his producer back in the mid to very late 70’s. Back then, radio talk was king, and Joel ruled over his morning time-period. No matter who the guest, from celebrity to nobody…all were treated the same, and always, Joel was at the top of his game! Whether by a dry comment, a pregnant pause, or an insightful question, Joel would make the guest feel compelled to answer! Joel made his magic work on television also….with The Joel A. Spivak TV Show, a first in Philadelphia with a live studio audience and a wandering, mike-holding host working the crowd. This show lasted for years (huge in TV standards) and logged many notable guests and memorable moments, including: Gloria Steinem explaining the (then) brand new Women’s Movement (and Joel asking her why she never married); Philadelphia’s conservative Mayor Frank Rizzo defending his get tough on crime policies and his infamous blackjack in the cummerbund shot (Joel got an answer); Jane Fonda defending and fending off audience accusers that she was anti-American for opposing the V.N. War; and last but not least, civilized but lively panel TV audience/panel discussions pro and con on all kinds of subjects. No this was not “Reality TV”…this was Real TV…thanks to Joel and his skills as a host and interviewer and talent. He was an original. He will be sorely missed in the radio/television community. My heart and thoughts go out to Joel’s family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Kathleen Quaid-Weisz
March 9, 2011
When Joel joined WCAU-TV, I had the pleasure of working with him on a number of documentary programs in the late 1970's. One of the most interesting location experiences is when we spent the day with Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden, who appeared on Joel's TV show and then agreed to let us shadow them for a day as they traveled to Three Mile Island for a press conference and an exclusive interview for the program. In true Joel style, he got Jane to share some rather personal and insightful thoughts about her career and her politics. It was a long, fascinating day and I got to see Joel at his very best.
With deepest condolences,
Dan Sitarski
Azhlan Ahmet
March 9, 2011
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to Matt and his family. May the memories keep you going.
With sympathies, Azhlan and Toli
Cane Kotevski
March 9, 2011
Me and my family share your sorrow and pray that the love of all of those around you will help in this time of sadness.
Our deepest condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Spivak and family.
Cane Kotevski and his family.
March 8, 2011
As Joel was fond of saying; "Now for something completely different..." He was one of the greats.
My sympathies to his family & loved ones.
Jim
March 8, 2011
"Joel A. Spivak Speaking" ....
Ambassador Philip Reeker
March 8, 2011
Our deepest condolences to Matt, Kim and the kids, and to the entire Spivak family.
With sympathies, Philip and Solveig
Melanie Reiter
March 8, 2011
Dear Matt, Kim, Isaac, and Natasha,
I am glad we spoke shortly before your trip. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Melanie, Irena, and Nermin
David Reiter
March 8, 2011
My thoughts go out to all of you. I have lost loved ones and can imagine the sorrow. My prayers are that the time to move from pain to celebration of a life passes quickly.
Jonathan Spivak
March 6, 2011
Hope its OK to cross-post, but there is another Guest Book site here:
http://www.tributes.com/joelaspivak
Peter and Louise Kampen-van Dijken
March 6, 2011
Dear Matthew, Kim ,Isaac, Natasha and family,
Our hearts and thoughts go out to you at the sad loss of your (grand)father Joel. We were very sad to hear this news. We know there isn't much we can say or do to ease the pain you feel right now, but our hearts and prayers are with you. ??With sympathy, Peter, Louise, Stefan, Kristel and Judith Kampen/Macedonia
May God be your comforter! 2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me,? "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness" ?Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Gerry
March 6, 2011
Joel A. Spivak ("speaking") will always be remembered for his wonderful, dry sense of humor that kept his listeners entertained when he was behind the mike at WCAU in Philadelphia. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was a truly unique talent in the media world.
Lee Dogoloff
March 6, 2011
Dear Anne
So very saddened by your loss. Joel was an original-- not to be duplicated. He was a real friend and integral part of our Men's Group. We are away for the month and therefore unable to attend his service-- we will keep you and his other loved ones in our pyayers
Bill Stabler
March 6, 2011
I fondly remember Joel from his work on WCAU-AM 1210 in Philadelphia. Joel's talk show followed our Morning News program on 'CAU and he always dropped by in the waning moments of our show to talk about what was ahead on his program, always with a pithy, thoughtful, sometimes humorous comment.
I saw Joel several years after "Philly" when we were both working in Washington, DC; Joel on WRC Talk Radio and I at NBC Radio. He was still the same amiable gentleman on and off the air.
Also chatted with him on the air about his good works with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
I remember as well when we worked together in Philadelphia discovering that Joel's father was one of my favorite Big Band leaders --- Charlie Spivak!
We will miss Joel, but remember all of the great work he did on and off the air.
James Minor
March 6, 2011
Great talk show host was one of the bright times of my day you will be missed.
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