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Joe McDonnell Memoriam

Longtime Los Angeles sports radio personality Joe McDonnell died Friday, March 13, 2015.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Daily News on Mar. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe McDonnell

57 Entries

Robert Allen

March 4, 2016

The baseball season is right around the corner. The Press Box won't be the same without Big Joe,alias The Big Nasty. I'm especially going to miss my daily insults. Please feel free to stop by, and let's exchange a handshake in his memory.

Thomas

June 29, 2015

I listened to Joe when he was on AM570 from 7-10pm. I had heard about him but was finally able to put a voice to the person. Between 2007-2008 I was going through a rough time personally and his show really lifted my spirits each day. He closed his show by playing "End of The Line" by The Traveling Wilburys. When ever that line "Well it's allllright" would play I knew things would be alright and Joe with his ability to inform and entertain helped me get through that time. I'll miss your laugh, love of the Lakers and great stories that should have been on that "tell all" book you were suppose to write. RIP Thin Nasty

Robert Allen

April 21, 2015

Big job's wit and humor is deeply missed around the DODGERS PRESS BOX. To all of you who have spent a message to this site, just know that he would've been really surprised. Stop by and share your story with me.

April 18, 2015

RIP Big Joe
You always made my afternoon commute enjoyable with your wit and knowledge of LA sports. A job well done.

Lou Mauna

Sally Devers

April 8, 2015

We met Joey at the beauty shop where his Mon and aunts came to get their hair done.the girls at Bobbi Lyn Beauty Salon in Granada Hills are very sorry for your loss he will be missed...

Kenneth Gales

March 25, 2015

Met Joe years ago when i sat behind the clipper bench at the sports arena. A large man with a larger than life persona Later I Listened to him an Doug Krikorian on those long drives home after work.
A true LA Radio Legend He'll be sorely missedRIP Big Joe

Michael Belanger

March 21, 2015

Big man with a bigger heart. Much about his great broadcasting career but Joe gave to the community during his Alemany HS years. Fond memories of Joe coaching our GH Babe Ruth League team the Royals. Parents and players alike loved him. God Bless You Joe.

March 19, 2015

Joe it was a pleasure to know you. I only wish I had the chance to say goodbye before I moved. I will always remember you. Theresa Gassler

Alisa Juni

March 18, 2015

A great man And great friend so many great memories I have from the fun times we had at Alemany xoxo Alisa

March 18, 2015

Over the years, I have enjoyed listening to Joe on the radio. Joe will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Marian Jenkins
Carson

Carlos Palma

March 18, 2015

I pray that there is a heaven so that I can listen to Joe talk sports when my time is up.My sincerest condolences to the family. You were blessed to have him.

Robert Allen

March 18, 2015

Big joe, I loved your mom and aunt.you were o.k.

Rudy Paez

March 17, 2015

Rest in peace JOE MCDONNELL from a big listener of sports talk in LA loved listening to the MCDONNELL-DOUGLAS SHOW and the RAM wrap up show he did going to miss your voice on my radio I agreed with most of your opinions

Dawn Avalon

March 16, 2015

I remember Joe in the 90s and enjoyed listening to him. He most certainly gave his ALL for sports radio and loved every minute of it!

My deepest sympathy to his wife and family.

Dawn Avalon
General Manager
Star1330/KWFM

Marilyn Klasson

March 16, 2015

I was so sad to hear of Joe's passing. Its a big loss for all sports fans in L.A. There was no one like him. Rest In Peace Joe.

Shawn Williams

March 16, 2015

A really nice guy. Spent a few years listening to him and Doug in the early days of 710 and going to the road shows in Phoenix during spring training. Caught him the last few years doing updates on KNX. Take care Joe.

Suzy

March 16, 2015

Joe you will be missed, that smile always brightened my day . I'm blessed to have met you RIP

John Young

March 15, 2015

I appreciated the relaxed environment created for his quest and upbeat personality-He was one of the few remembering Mt Carmel HS - RIP we will miss you

Tedi Wheeler

March 15, 2015

The absolute best sports talk radio host I ever heard! There was never anyone better. RIP Joe. God bless your family!

Sharon Roth

March 15, 2015

Listened to Joe and Doug with my sons during carpool time. We especially looked forward to "who are you going to kick out of LA." We are so very sad and will miss his terrific sports commentary and coverage. Condolences to his family.

geno estrada

March 15, 2015

rest in peace big joe never be another like you

March 14, 2015

Joe, I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet you at the Zack Grenke press conference. I had listened to you for years. I didn't always agree, but you were certainly entertaining. Rest in peace, brother!

larry brown

March 14, 2015

Big Joe, you and Doug were part of my personal sound track in the 90s. I loved listening to you talk L.A. Sports. RIP.

Michael Gillivan

March 14, 2015

RIP Joe. You will be missed.

Ron M

March 14, 2015

I will miss the ultimate voice of the Los Angeles sports fan, whether it was talk about the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, UCLA, the Kings or the Rams. He had the back of the guy sitting in the cheap seats at the top of the stadium. LA sports radio will never be able to replace you.

Curt Sandoval

March 14, 2015

I was blessed to sit next to Joe at many, many Lakers games and other sporting events. My heart breaks for his family that he loved so much! Joe's heart was as big as his on-air personality! Grateful the Good Lord put me in his world for 15-years!

Dave Cleveland

March 14, 2015

I am very sorry,I listened to Joe and Doug all the time Los Angeles will miss him ,He was L.A.s best.

Steve Young

March 14, 2015

My condolences to the McDonnell family. Had the pleasure to meet joe a few times. One occasion sticks out though, joe was doing a show in Covina with Kirk Gibson at a restaurant and I took my daughter to meet him. After being informed she couldn't go into the bar , Joe arraigned for us to meet Kirk in a back room. His nickname "The Big Nasty " was very misleading!! RIP Joe.

Jerry Goudchaux

March 14, 2015

RIP loved you.

March 14, 2015

Thanks for the many entertaining hours of sports talk radio on KMPC, AM 1150, KSPN and KLAC. You loved the Angels and now you're an Angel. RIP Big Joe See Ya!

Mike Elmore

March 14, 2015

I met Joe at Phil Tranis 25 years ago. I became his dentist but more importantly his friend. We had a great time together, talking, analyzing everything, etc.
Spoke with him not too long ago and we were making arrangements for dinner.
I'll miss him forever. He was a great person and a great friend.

JC Roca

March 14, 2015

RIP Big Nasty!!! You were one of a kind and we will miss your passion for LA Teams including your beloved Dodgers.

mike rojo

March 14, 2015

you were one of the greatest sports voices in la sports radio i remember first listing to you on xtra sports 1150 and listened to you at 710and on 570 and on knx and i know you are in heaven talking the greatest of the greats in sports la sports radio will never be the same with out you rest in peace big joe from the rojo family

Scott Johnson

March 14, 2015

The Voice of Los Angeles Sports Talk Radio will be dearly missed.

Ruben Delgado

March 14, 2015

Thank you Joe for all the insight in the sports world. You will be greatly missed!!!

805BRUIN FAN

March 14, 2015

A.m. radio in Los Angeles has not been the same since the "Big Nasty" (and Doug) left the airwaves. Joe was and is thee only radio host who consistently gave UCLA sports love on the air waves. Whether the teams were good or bad he always talked about the Bruins.
"The McDonnell........donell...............donell.......Douglas show"

RIP

Tobey Montgomery

March 14, 2015

Thank you for everything. I am so sorry for this loss and will continue to keep your family in my prayers.

Patricia Savery

March 14, 2015

I've listened to Joe at almost all of his radio stops, & loved his pairing with Doug. Sometimes he seemed brutally honest, but always had the greatest "real inside news" about the Dodgers, Lakers, et al., & I particularly appreciated his pushing Magic at the Dodgers Stadium Guggenheim group introduction for the truth that McCourt would financially benefit from the parking (& any future development) there. I knew it, & he did too. My best to Elizabeth. Rest in peace, Joe.

Samuel Contreras

March 14, 2015

Thanks for all the breaking stories, Joe. Thanks for all the laughs. Until we meet again, know that you'll be missed. God bless...

Gregg S.

March 14, 2015

Just a wonderfully nice guy. RIP.

Tony Reyes

March 14, 2015

you and Doug Krikorian we're great on the radio together enjoy listening to you too all the time sure missed it when they took you off the air got to meet you at a fundraiser in San Pedro very personable gotta talk with you about the LA Rams and growing up watching them at the Coliseumthanks for the good memories joe god bless you rest in peace

francisco luna

March 14, 2015

it's been a long time when i first listen to your radio show [i thought first it was about airplanes]coming from mexico i learned to love la teams but most to all to love LA thanks joe desccansa en paz

Dave Mann

March 14, 2015

I knew Joe for nearly 40 years and he always had a smile and a laugh for you. He overcame illnesses to be able to deliver the latest sports news. He will be missed by many and my condolences to his family.

Ted Giakas

March 14, 2015

Thank you Joe for the many unforgettable hours spent listening to you and Doug over these many years. You were the best that LA ever had on the air. God rest your soul and heaven just got a whole lot funnier. You will not be forgotten.

Mark C

March 14, 2015

I loved to listen to you on the air Joe. Your show and voice comforted me through some hard times in my life. You told it like it is and everyone respected you for that. God bless you Joe and may you rest in peace.

March 13, 2015

I LOVED YOUR PASSION FOR L.A. SPORTS, I WILL MISS YOU, REST IN PEACE

Linda Fairweather-Sharp

March 13, 2015

My thoughts and prayers to Joe's wife and their families. Was so happy to reunite with Joe last September at our 40 year class reunion and follow each other's lifes on Facebook. RIP Joe.

Zach Buhler

March 13, 2015

Joe Will be sadly missed. He was entertaining and opinionated. My condolences to his family. Far too young.

dale gefre

March 13, 2015

joe, you will be missed dearly...you are in a better place looking down upon us with your big smile.god be with you....

Craig Robbins

March 13, 2015

RIP Joe. It was always interesting and fun doing remotes with you.

Robert Kerns

March 13, 2015

Rest in Peace Big Joe. You always were fun to listen to on the radio. You were a big man because of your soul more than your size.

Andrew Chang

March 13, 2015

My heart goes out to the McDonnell family. Growing up in the san fernando valley I used to listen to him and Doug Kirkorian everyday after school. Loved the McDonnell Douglas show. Goodbye Joe!!!!

March 13, 2015

Always always listened.....

March 13, 2015

You were larger than life. An icon. RIP Big Joe.

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