Shelby A Whitfield
1935 - 2013
Shelby A Whitfield
1935 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2013
Shelby Whitfield Obituary
Born in Frost Texas, he lived in Washington, DC and Marlboro, NJ before moving to Manchester 13 years ago.
Prior to retiring in 1997, he was a Radio Announcer for WABC Radio in NY.
Mr. Whitfield was a United States Army Veteran
Shelby Whitfield was born on April 13, 1935 in Frost, Texas. He graduated from Hereford High School in 1952 and continued his studies at University of Texas, Austin. He had a life long interest in sports and broadcasting. In 1955, Whitfield joined the U.S. Army and after basic training in Fort Collins, CO and Radio School in New York, went on to become Sports Director of the Armed Forces Network (AFN) Radio Europe. In 1968, his career in broadcasting continued when he moved to Washington, DC to accept a position to broadcast baseball games for the Washington Senators who were coached at the time by Ted Williams. In 1973, Whitfield wrote a book about his exploits with the Senators called Kiss it Goodbye. In 1981, Whitfield moved to New Jersey to became Sports Director and Executive Producer of ABC Sports Radio in New York. While working in this capacity, Whitfield authored his second book, co-written with Howard Cosell, entitled What's Wrong With Sports? Whitfield also won three Excellence in Sports Performance (ESPY) awards for his superior radio coverage of the Triple Crown in Thoroughbred Racing.
Surviving is his wife of 54 years Lora Napierski Whitfield. A son Drew Whitfield of Plainfield. 3 daughters: Shauna Lawrence of Maryland, Tina Cerullo and her husband Tony of Alabama and Sharon Knauf and her husband Robert of Jackson. Also by 5 Grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 6 - 8 pm at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester. For further information or to send an on-line condolence, please visit: andersoncampbellmanchester.com.
A funeral service will be held on Monday 11 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Johnny Holliday
January 30, 2019
Shelby was my boss at ABC Radio Sports for 25 years. A terrific boss and leader. Not only my boss but my friend. We all miss him terribly.
ron lawray
September 18, 2014
As a member of the US Air Force stationed in Germany, I would wake up at 7"15am just to hear Shelby's 5 minute sports show around 7:25..What a voice...And when he came to Washington to announce for the baseball team, I was in 7th heaven again...He will be missed......
Joe & Marlene Whitfield
March 28, 2013
March 28, 2013. We just received the news about Shelby .Joe, Marlene and Mildred Whitfield(age 94)sends our love to you and your family. She lives with her son Joe and wife Marlene Whitfield of Neches, Texas.
Whitfield Family-1983
February 21, 2013
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Ralf Napierski
February 12, 2013
Liebe Tante Lore,
zum Tode Deines lieben Ehemannes Shelby sprechen wir Dir und Deiner ganzen Familie unser tiefempfundenes Beileid aus. In besonders guter Erinnerung sind uns die Tage im Sommer 1986 geblieben, an denen wir mit Onkel Shelby durch New York streifen durften; er uns Harlem zeigte und uns zu seinem Lieblings-Italiener einlud
- ein unvergeßliches Erlebnis!
Dein Neffe Ralf und Agnes Napierski mit Roman und Gregor
Cherie MacQueen
February 12, 2013
I met Shelby at the 2003 AFN Reunion in Baltimore, MD. He was a wonderful talent for both AFN and audiences worldwide.
Tim Niece
February 11, 2013
Shelby, you will be missed by many. I only knew you a short time but we shared a few good times. I will miss you along with all your friends from Donovans.
Tim Niece
Heather Spino
February 10, 2013
We were so very sorry to hear of Shelby's passing. We always looked for him at the Little League games. We loved his company. We always loved to talk of the games the players and strategies. He really enjoyed watching the games and cheering on the boys but especially his grandson Robert. We will miss seeing and talking with him. God Bless You All.
Steve, Heather and Michael Spino
Ann Liguori
February 10, 2013
It was a pleasure to work for Shelby Whitfield at ABC Radio Sports. I was just starting my sports broadcasting career and Shelby gave me an opportunity to work as a freelance producer and then as a reporter at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He believed in my abilities and I'll always be grateful for that. I have fond memories of the ABC Radio days with Shelby and his excellent team of announcers and producers. Those were certainly among the glory days of sports! I can see Shelby and Howard Cosell walking down the halls at the network and laughing and talking sports...those were the days.
My condolences to Shelby's family.
Naomi Shand
February 10, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Shelby. I have fond memories of listening to him broadcast my beloved Washingon Senators. I learned a lot about baseball while listening and he fueled my passion. I wrote him a "fan" letter and he was kind enough to send me a personal reply. I have kept it to this day. Rest in peace, Shelby. Thanks for the memories.
United States Army Veteran
Robert Knauf Jr
February 10, 2013
Robert Knauf Jr
February 10, 2013
Lissa Morrow Christian
February 10, 2013
It was an honor to work for Shelby on such events as Olympics, Super Bowl and World Series when he was at ABC Radio Sports. Renowned for his Dom Perignon spirit, and a knack of always cashing a winning Derby ticket, Shelby also had a great nose for news and would back you to the hilt. But my favorite memory was negotiating with him. He sat behind a huge stuffed rattlesnake poised to strike at me. Just say he got the better of the deal. A wonderful boss and even better man.
Rob Knauf Jr
February 10, 2013
Rob Knauf Jr
February 10, 2013
Gary Schroek
February 10, 2013
Rob, I' m so sorry to here of the loss of your father in law. He was a special man who was easy to approach and had some good stories he was willing to share.He will be missed by everyone. My condolences to your wife and children.
Jeff Goeke
February 10, 2013
Robert:
I am very saddened to hear this news. I thoroughly enjoyed Shelby's company and the numerous times we spent talking baseball. The fields of Jackson Little League lost a cheering voice. I'm happy for the short time I knew him. My condolences to you, Sharon, Robert Jr, Randi and your whole family.
Jeff Goeke
John Sheard
February 10, 2013
Rob and family!
My condolences to you and the family, Shelby and I spent some great time together. His support as a great sports analyst and a mentor to my coaching skills are times I will never forget. Not sure if you ever had a discussion with Shelby about our collaborations or should I say his mentor ship on my coaching abilities, but there was a time we were e-mailing each other every other day hagalinig over coaching tips. Great memories that I will always remember!!
The Sheard Prayers are with you!!
John S
Rob Knauf
February 10, 2013
Vic DiClemente
February 10, 2013
RIP Hoss. A generous, and great guy, fun and funny. Only the fondest memories when you are thought of, and you will be often. Thanks
Gertrud Voss
February 10, 2013
In dieser schweren Stunde bin ich im Gedanken bei meiner Tochter und ihrer Familie.
Ich durfte in Amerika viele schöne Stunden erleben. Shelby hat mich immer herzlich aufgenommen und mir (seiner „Mutti“) viel von Amerika gezeigt. Wir sind alle sehr traurig.
Deine Schwiegermutter, deine Schwägerin Paula, dein Neffe Ralf und Michaela mit Familie.
February 9, 2013
Very sad to hear of the passing of a great man, a great broadcaster, and a great colleague! With the likes of talents of Johnny Holliday, Tony Roberts, Ross Simpson and others I had the honor of working with Shelby at WWDC Radio. He was consummate professional, yet a warm and friendly personality, who liked to share a joke or a story. The world is a lesser place, and I want to send my most profound condolences to this family. He was one of the good guys!
Rudolph Brewington, Las Vegas NV
February 9, 2013
Shelby always treated me like a brother after he couldn't run me away from his sister Melrose in high school. He enjoyed, even then working, at KPAN radio in Hereford ,Tx which was his first broadcasting job. He went straight to the top from there in his career! He was like a brother to me, and I will miss him greatly! My deepest condolences to Lora and the kids. I know he loved so much!!
Marshall Wilson, Lubbock, TX
Merrilee Cox
February 9, 2013
The description "one of a kind" is too often used in circumstances where it really doesn't apply but in Shelby's case, I believe it does ... and I believe he was. A gruff, gentle soul with absolutely no pretense...he was the real deal. I will be forever grateful to Shelby for giving me the opportunity to work alongside some of the most extraordinary professionals who ever worked in the business. My deepest condolences to Lora and his family. Let us all celebrate his wonderful life.
Susan Dail
February 9, 2013
I have enjoyed reading all the wonderful things people have written about Shelby. The beautiful children he shared with Lora. I see now why my daddy was so proud and loved him so much. We share a powerful heritage. I'm proud to be a Whitfield.
Frank Herzog
February 8, 2013
Shelby Whitfield graced sports radio broadcasting with true professionalism, a warm personality and friendly word for everyone. As a young broadcaster I was lucky to know Shelby informally and it didn't take long to realize what a class act he brought to the broadcast. My thoughts go out to his family at this very tough time.
Shelby & Siblings Oct 2005
Sandra Whitfield- Wellman
February 8, 2013
Whitfield Reunion--Oct 2005
Sandra Whitfield- Wellman
February 8, 2013
Whitfield Family Reunion-Oct 2005
Sandra Whitfield- Wellman
February 8, 2013
Amanda Whitfield-Hanna
February 8, 2013
I heard lots of stories about Shelby from my papaw, Luther Whitfield. I never got the opportunity to meet him but I felt like I knew him just by the stories my papaw used to tell. He would've been a 2nd or 3rd cousin to me. Praying for Shelby's family, friends, and my family that got the opportunity to meet him.
Linda Youngblood
February 8, 2013
From my earliest memories of hearing my dad speak of his childhood, stories about Shelby were some of my favorites! My dad was the youngest son of a Baptist preacher, who was known for his incredibly powerful voice. My daddy (Luther Whitfield) had a wonderful voice and a wonderful ability to spin tales. From my few encounters with my cousin Shelby, I discovered that he had that same incredible gift. His voice was truly "golden" and his personality and presence could fill a room! I know that he will be deeply missed by those closest to him. I'll be praying for you, Lora, for your children and grandchildren, for Sandra and Lonnie and all those nieces and nephews that loved him greatly.
William (Skip) Lawrence
February 8, 2013
For 20 years Shelby was my father-in-law. HIs wit, knowledge, and expertise on sports made for great conversations.
Skip Lawrence
Bob Davis
February 8, 2013
I worked with Shelby at the Hoechst Castle in the early to mid 60's. What a great guy with a wonderful personality. He was a Texan like Col. Cranston, our Commander, and they hit it off from the beginning. I remember talking with Shelby by phone when he was ABC Radio Sports Exec. and play by play pro. I even remember when he was dating Lora, a gal who's family owned a restaurant in Hoechst. What a neat young couple. I'm sure Shelby would agree that "those were the days." Bob Davis, AFNE Civilian Production Chief, 1960-65.
Robert and Zack with the Greatest Fan!
February 8, 2013
Keith, Renee, Zack, and Emily Hein
February 7, 2013
I was a coach of a Little League team I knew him as the Robert's grandfather. He never missed a game. Occasionally, he would approach me before the game and tell me about a player or two on the opposing team. Although, he wanted our team to win, he sounded more like a fan. Then one day, Shelby gave all of the coaches an autographed copy of a book he co-wrote with Howard Cosell. This was the first of many generous things I witnessed Shelby do that summer. I went on to coach an All-Star team with Robert and my son, Zack. We practiced every night and every night Shelby was there. He was always positive and upbeat. Shelby and the boys quickly grew on each other. Every night he brought hot dogs and soda for everyone, which grew to cheesesteaks as we made our way through the tournament. Shelby made sure we were all having fun and he did too. When the tournament was over we finished in 3rd place, Robert and Zack won individual awards and so did Shelby as the Greatest Fan!
Shelby was an extremely generous & kind man, loved baseball and his family. My family and I feel lucky to have known him and will miss him. Our condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Shelby.
Susan Dail
February 7, 2013
Shelby was my Daddy's favorite nephew. He always talked about carrying Shelby around on his shoulders when he was a toddler and my Dad was around 12 or so. He told us Uncle Isaac walked to the store to get Aunt Mary a Coca-Cola after she gave birth. I only met you once when I was very young, my cousin, Shelby Whitfield. God Bless your family, Susan Whitfield Dail. Daughter of Luther Whitfield. Texarkana, TX.
Written by Shelby and Howard Cosell
Rob Knauf
February 7, 2013
Book written by Shelby
Rob Knauf
February 7, 2013
Coach Shelby with grandson Robert with Cy Young award
February 7, 2013
February 7, 2013
One of the best play by play men. I can remember having my AM radio on at night and having on the Senator's game. I have a recording of the last Senators game in Washington D.C. in 1971. RIP Shelby. God bless to you and your family. One of the best.
February 7, 2013
My sympathies to Shelby's family. Shelby was my first boss after college. I was lucky enough to work for him at the Olympics in 84 and 88. He really helped me get started, many others too. He was a good and fair boss, and good guy. RIP Shelby, you are missed. ---Bethany Sax
February 7, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Hugh and I had much for which to be grateful to you both.
In sympathy and gratitude,
Claudia Dawson
Trent Christman
February 7, 2013
Although I knew you only briefly, your wonderful contribution to AFN Europe was huge. We all will deeply miss you. Sorry for messing up your name on that old intro---- Trent Christman, AFN Europe, now living in California.
February 7, 2013
I grew up in Washington, when Shelby and the Washington Senators were so intertwined. Then, years later, I encountered him again at ABC in New York. I wasn't a close friend, but definitely, an admirer. The "mic" light may be out for Shelby now, but the sound of his voice will forever be there. Jeffrey Young, Voice of America TV, Washington.
Alison Wellman
February 7, 2013
My Uncle Shelby was one of the kindest people I've ever known. He loved life in a way that few do, and never missed a chance to celebrate it. I will miss him dearly. To my Aunt Laura and my cousins Sharon, Shauna, Tina and Stanley and all of his grandchildren go my deepest condolences. Save me a seat, Uncle Shelby!
Ed BonGiovanni
February 7, 2013
I never worked with Mr. Whitfield, but his voice in the mornings with Johnny Holiday back in the 60s/70s was a real treat and a thorough sports recap. RIP, sir.
Ed BonGiovanni, Potomac Falls, VA.
Shelby at AFN, interviewing heavyweight champion Ingemar Johansson, c.1960
February 7, 2013
Shelby, "Voice of the Senators" interviewing Ted Williams
February 7, 2013
Shelby discussing his book Kiss it Goodbye with baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn
February 7, 2013
Glenn Serafin
February 7, 2013
I am so grateful to Shelby. I made it to AP Radio because of him. And once I was there he worked me hard, but treated me like family. He was a kind and terrific mentor. My career path would have been very different without Shelby.
Jack Tirko
February 7, 2013
As someone who was a child in 1971, I was a fan of The Washington Senators and a fan of Shelby Whitfield. I bought his book Kiss it goodbye and it is my favorite. I wish I could have told him how much I appreciated how he conducted himself in such an outstanding and professional manner as our team was being stolen from us.
February 6, 2013
Shelby and I worked together at WWDC here in Washington DC, then I spent 28 great years with Shelby at ABC Radio Sports. What great times and great memories of one of the most talented broadcasters in the business. Not only was he great to work for but a such a decent man who always did things the right way and in a professional manner that is hard to find today. My condolences to his wife Lora and his Family. He will be missed.
Johnny Holliday, Kensington, Maryland
Shelby's 75th birthday
February 6, 2013
Summer trip to Maine
February 6, 2013
Dad during his AFN days
February 6, 2013
Jim Bohannon
February 6, 2013
I've interviewed Shelby and listened to him on the air for hours. Either way he was an absolute delight. I miss him already.
Laura Marcus
February 6, 2013
I was Shelby's assistant at ABC for 4 very colorful years. Shelby was truly one-of-a-kind and provided some of the best memories and biggest laughs of my career. He was a mentor and tormentor, but always great fun and had a tremendous heart. Rest in peace Shelby. I hope you are having a toast and smiling down on all of us. My sincere condolences go out to Lora and his beloved family.
February 6, 2013
My older brother had a soft spot in his heart for family. I will never forget the sound of his beautiful voice! He will be missed!!
Sandra Whitfield Wellman
richard roth
February 6, 2013
As a young man at AP RADIO in late seventies in Washington DC on K Street, I was on my guard around Shelby.. He seemed like he knew everyone in sports, even the horses.
However I loved kidding around with him..the man from Texas and me from NY City.
Peter Flannery
February 6, 2013
Shelby was a true professional, and I learned a lot from him in our broadcast days. More importantly, he always had a joke in hand, and a great outlook on life.
February 6, 2013
My family got to know Shelby over the years as a fixture at my son's Little League baseball games...as our son and his grandson Robert played on the same team many times. He will certainly be missed on the sidelines.
Chuck, Colleen, Samantha, & Ryan Jerry
Dan Lovett
February 6, 2013
Shelby was a great guy to work for and with. It was a pleasure to have his direction during all of our years together at ABC Radio. Dios te bendiga my friend.
Steve McPartlin
February 6, 2013
I worked with Shelby for five years at ABC Radio and it was five of the best years of my life. We had some great adventures together from New York to Sarajevo respectfully this is not the time or place to share those stories. It is enough to say we spent many a night laughing and drinking till the wee hours. The thing I most admired about Shelby was how he treated his employees. He was no slave to political correctness. He always had your back and never worried about his own backside. He was a great boss, a great friend, a great broadcaster and most of all a great guy. God speed old friend, God speed.
February 6, 2013
Shelby was such a great guy. My husband Roy was very fond of him. We all shared a lot of good laughs together. Shelby was fun and really cared about people, their careers and their lives.
Pat Milton Steinfort
Dave Barrett
February 6, 2013
Shelby was funny and smart and resourceful and tough. He sure loved putting together good crews for Olympics and Triple Crown races. He could party and tell stories. A throwback. A toast to you, my friend. Shelby, you're one of my favorite people, EVER.
Bob Benson
February 6, 2013
I was lucky enough to work with Shelby for much of our careers. Some days were incredibly enjoyable, and some were heartbreaking. But they were always better because Shelby was a part of them.
Nobody understood the sports world better than Shelby, but much of what I learned from him involved family, colleagues and business relationships.
I hope the love and respect of his friends and coworkers will be a comfort to Lora, Stan and his precious daughters. You had the good luck to be most important things in the world to a very special man.
Marla H Bane
February 6, 2013
Shelby was a pleasure and honor to work with and will be deeply missed. I think of Shelby whenever I watch the Derby. My sincerest condolences to Shelby's family and friends on their loss.
Ted David
February 6, 2013
Shelby was a fun guy who made some major accomplishments in a remarkable career. Most important, though, he was a decent man, kind man and loved by all. Rest in peace Shelby.
Shelby and Tina
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Good times
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Lora and Shelby
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Lora and Shelby In Hawaii
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Dinner with Family
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Grand kids when they were younger
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Drew (Stanley) Shauna, Tina, Sharon & his buddy Bronson
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Shelby with Drew (Stanley) with that laugh
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Lora and Shelby now thats dessert!
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Lora, Shelby birthday with Randi
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Baseball card Washinton Senators
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Shelby with Muhammad Ali
Rob Knauf
February 5, 2013
Robert Knauf Sr
February 5, 2013
Shelby Whitfield was a man with a huge heart the size of Texas he will be missed by many. I can't tell you all the great things he has done for his family. His loving wife Lora Whitfield son Drew (Stanley) Whitfield his daughters Shauna Lawrence, Tina Cerullo, Sharon Knauf. Grandsons Josh Lawrence, Robert Knauf Jr ,Grand Daughters Carly Lawrence , Randi Knauf & Nicole Cerullo.
If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
Id walk right up to Heaven
And bring you back again
We love you! may you rest in piece my man!
Rob Knauf Sr and your buddy Bronson
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