WENDELL CRAIG Obituary

CRAIG--Wendell L., one of the top voiceovers in the country for many years, died peacefully at home in New York City on July 12th, 2020 after a 12 year battle with mesothelioma. He was the voice of the CBS Evening News during Dan Rather's lengthy tenure and was the only staff announcer for 25 years at CBS until the day of his passing. On Nickelodeon his voice delighted children around the world from 1988 to 1999. Wendell was on the first Saturday Night Live broadcast in 1975 as an announcer opposite Gilda Radner. His voice was also featured on three of Woody Allen's films. Wendell served on the board of AFTRA for 25 years and worked tirelessly for the merger of AFTRA and SAG into one strong union. Coming from northern Pennsylvania hill country, Wendell became the number one DJ in Syracuse, New York in the 1960's. In September 1964 he set the world record for riding a ferris wheel, stepping off after 183 hours. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Good, his three children, Jeff, Brad, and Joanna, and his granddaughter Kira. Shiva will be held this week at his home, please contact Nancy Good for further information.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 14, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for WENDELL CRAIG

14 Entries

Gary Iloff

January 25, 2023

Like so many I am sad hear that my old friend has passed.
Wendy and I met at WTKO Ithaca N.Y. And quickly became friends, he taught me how to edit tap his way. He would often barrow my car for dates . The day I asked him to be my best man , he received the a phone call from CBS.
Thank you my friend for sharing part of your life with me !

Joanne DiMirco

December 2, 2020

Wendell was a loyal client of mine at the CBS hair salon for many years.
We shared stories and had lots of laughs.
Always enjoyed our conversations.
I have been thinking about him and looked him up today to find that he passed.
I will always think of him as a friend and a favorite.
My condolences to his family

Catherine

October 23, 2020

Consummate professional, incredible voice and a heck of a nice guy. I worked with Wendall at CBS for many years. He and his incredible voice will be sorely missed.

myra cole

September 15, 2020

I just heard this very sad news. I worked with Wendell at CBS since he started there. I ran the audio post department that he recorded his daily voiceovers in. He did a special concert for my community band back in 2007, sharing his amazing voice and delighting the crowd. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be missed. My condolences to the entire family. May his memory be a blessing.

James Rosenthal

July 22, 2020

GOAT. Wendell was one of the best ever. I became familiar with his voice on the National Lampoon Radio Hour. His work was an inspiration to me, and as a person, he was always a warm and friendly (and hilarious) comrade in the VO game, who was genuinely glad to see you on the circuit. I will miss your voice Windy, but treasure the memories. RIP

paul rice

July 19, 2020

Many great times on the swamp in Big Pond, Pa.

Joyce Korbin

July 19, 2020

I was on the National and Local board of AFTRA with Wendell for years. He was such a delight to be with. His caring about the people he represented was an inspiration to all of us. His sense of humor was delightful, and he always knew how to sway the room to his way of thinking. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, he was truly a mensch !!

Steve Dworkin

July 18, 2020

I worked with Windy, being a recording engineer, for almost 40 years. He was always a pleasure to work with & talk with. When I think of him, it was always with that big smile of his. Just a note, my friend, George Hansen, who passed away earlier this year, was always a fan of Wenell and his work. When George was out of work, back in the 90s, I saw Windy & he told me to get in touch with George, because he knew of an opening for him at another studio. George got the job. I know that he would have been devistated to hear the news. In the early 90s, Windy told me thatr he had just become a father again. "Just think" he said "When My daughter graduates college, I'll be 70". I had lunch with him about 20 years later & he remembered that comment. "Well, my daughter's graduating & I'm 70". R.I.P. Wendell. My thoughts go out to his family.

Simone Taylor

July 18, 2020

No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of need. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Justin & Jenn

July 17, 2020

Wendell was a light -- gentle, humble, passionate. We will miss him so much.

Chrisse Roccaro

July 16, 2020

Wendell was a kind, gentle man with a great smile. I was honored to serve a number of years on the AFTRA National Board during his years as a board member. He was a mentor and an example to us all. His talent was immense and his spirit vast. Rest well, brother Craig.

john beach

July 15, 2020

Wendell was a friend and a mentor. He was the first BIG'TIME announcer I met when I came to NYC as a newcomer, and wow, was he great. And he was so good to me, always. I miss you already, Wendell.

Rick Snyder

July 14, 2020

I feel like I've known Windy all my life and was so saddened to hear of his passing. He was such a good person and it was so heartwarming at our 2016 reunion when he introduced his son to all of us. We met in Syracuse when we were radio DJ's and we connected immediately. Regrettably, we never worked together but always enjoyed each other's company. Saw Windy over the years at various Syracuse radio reunions (pictured together at the 2016 radio reunion) and our time together was always a delight. When I heard Windy on the air, or his name came up in conversations with mutual friends, or sometimes, he'd just pop into my head, it always made me smile (look at those grins!). Condolences to his family and friends. This man will be missed.

Andrea Taylor

July 14, 2020

Windy was one of the nicest men on the planet. Working with him was like working with sunshine. He always made my words better and we had fun doing it. He always gave his best and never had a crabby bone in his body even when it was raining or snowing and there was a lot to get through. Whenever I hear his voice it makes me feel like Im safe. I havent worked with him in years, because I dont work in tv now, but I could still hear his voice and that was always so comforting. Im so sorry hes gone too early.

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