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Michael Ketter Obituary
On Sunday, May 17, 2009, Michael L. Ketter, 48, of Pittsburgh. Beloved husband of Gina (Pitta) Ketter. Son of the late Robert Ketter and Lorelei Ketter. Brother of Kay Nottis, Sue White and Mary Ketter-Franklin. Daddy of Merlin, Zoron, and Putt-Putt. Michael was a much-loved Program Director and on-air radio personality with WBCQ international short-wave radio station. In the 1990s he was Operations Manager and on-air broadcaster for WYEP-FM. Michael was a professional photographer as well as composer of electronic music. No visitation. Private services to be held in western New York. Family suggests memorial contributions to Forbes Hospice, 115 S. Neville Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Arrangements by STATHERS FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 7400 Irvine Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, 412-271-7030. (www.stathersfuneral.com)
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Jennifer Weiner
May 15, 2010
Michael, it's hard to find words that adequately describe your unique and wonderful spirit. Enigmatic, innovative, omniscient, gallant, insane, wonderful. I'm so sorry we lost you so soon. God bless you, and my thoughts are with Gena, may God give you comfort.
Randy LeMasters
May 29, 2009
Michael was my mentor from the moment I met him in the Summer of 1987. When WYEP was having trouble getting back on the air in August of that year I was going to take a job at WXXP. Michael persuaded me to hang in there and stick with YEP, and I'm forever grateful that he did. He taught me virtually everything I ever learned about radio. He was an incredible teacher; not only about radio, but also about life. Michael was so enthusiastic, gentle, spiritual, kind, giving, knowledgeable... I soaked him up like a sponge!
I've been part of the music "industry" for over 23 years. During that time I've dealt with everyone from local promoters to international figureheads of major record companies. Michael was easily one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. He was a pure, total joy of a human being. Michael was a most rare individual. He made everyone that knew him a better person. I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend with him and for all that I learned from him.
A few years ago I dearly wanted to work with Michael on a new project and was stunned to find out what had happened to him. When I saw the article in the PG this week I couldn't believe the news. Michael seemed larger than life, and I always thought if anyone could find a miracle and pull through it would be him.
Gina, my heart aches for you. You are in my prayers and Michael will live on in my heart and in my mind. God bless you both.
Mary Crowley
May 27, 2009
Dear Gina,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Michael. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It's been a long time since we've seen each other but you'll always be in my heart. Another star shining above us gone too soon. Please contact me!
Love,
Mary McTall Crowley
Steven Sciulli
May 26, 2009
My dearest and close friend - I miss you so very much. You were always there without question to help me, feed me and to bring out my creativity. You have taught me how to use humor and a smile. I will always hear your music in my mind and heart. Be free of the body and the binds - you are now connected and part of the universal source, but still i miss you. my best friend. Gina be strong.
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Jeffrey Carmichael
May 25, 2009
Michael was a great friend of mine. We met when I was working at WBCQ years ago and we became fast friends. I will always remember the talks we had when ever he was up to visit at the station. The world, and I, will miss having such a brilliant and talented man.
Rosemary Welsch
May 25, 2009
I worked with Michael back in those ressurection days of WYEP. It was an amazing experience watching the station come to life and I know that Michael played a large role in that process. I enjoyed the time I had with Michael, always gentle, amazingly smart, and with a devilish sense of humor. My sympathy goes out to Regina and all of Michael's family and loved ones.
David Hart
May 24, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to Gina and to the rest of Michael's family.
Bruce Mountjoy
May 23, 2009
I was saddened to learn of Michael's passing. I worked with Michael at WYEP and was always impressed with his range of interests and knowledge. He was truly an unforgettable person.
Teen aged Michael with a shortwave radio
May 22, 2009
Jane Will
May 22, 2009
Michael,
In ways big and small you changed our world through humor and musical genius. You left us with a better outlook and touched our hearts. I especially enjoyed the different characters you created on your broadcasts. We continue to play your music on our radio show on WBCQ. You will live forever on "The Planet."
Michael in Maine
May 22, 2009
Michael at the winterfest
May 22, 2009
Michael and friends at the winterfest
May 22, 2009
Michael and Timtron at the WBCQ transmitter
May 22, 2009
Joseph Buckley
May 21, 2009
Michael, it was beyond an honor to know you, and I cherished our friendship. Your talent , warmth, and genius were without comparison, and you are sadly missed. Your contribution to the resurrection of WYEP and your gifts to WBCQ are the stuff of legend. Rest in Peace always.
Michael Ketter at 19 years old
May 21, 2009
Michael when he was 19 yrs old holding the family cat
May 21, 2009
Larry Will
May 21, 2009
Michael, you are a blessing. Your creative genius affected so many people in a positive way. We are all fortunate for having known you, and although your time with us was way too short, you will live forever in our hearts and minds.
Marsha Tongel
May 21, 2009
Gena..you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kracker
May 20, 2009
Michael, you are an inspiration to many. Your words of wisdom were both enlightening as well as thought provocative. I for one would not be doing radio programing if it were not for you making me actually open my eyes as to what happens in the world that surrounds me, and I would like to thank you for this gift which you bestowed upon me. You are a prince among men, and will be remembered dearly by myself as well as countless others for all you did to make people think. I thank for this precious gift and I promise I will not let you down. We all will miss you dearly my friend. It is truly a great loss. We will never forget you Michael and you will live on thru us.
May you rest in peace.
Allan Weiner
May 20, 2009
The best and most talented radio person I have ever known.
You are missed. Always in our hearts.
Scott Gentry
May 20, 2009
Michael, you were such a great friend and inspired me so much. In fact you were far more than a friend, you were like a brother to me. You will be missed.
My deepest sympathies go out your wife Gina, your family, and to your many friends.
May you rest in peace my dear friend and brother.
Amy Owens
May 20, 2009
Gina, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The staff & students of Howe Elementary truley charish you and miss seeing your smiling face.
You have my deepest sympathy, Amy Owens
Robert Levin
May 20, 2009
Michael, I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but the broadcasts on 'BCQ were always insightful, humorous and some of the most intelligent radio ever beamed across the ionosphere.
My deepest condolences to your family and your many friends at 'The Planet'.
Michael, you will be dearly missed. It's an insane world out there. You helped me to make some sense out of it.
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