Richard M. Saullo Jr.

Richard M. Saullo Jr., 52, of Hazleton, a well-known broadcaster and community leader, passed away Wednesday in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton after a five-month illness.

Born in Hazleton, he was the son of Richard Saullo Sr. and his wife, Ann, and the former Donna Parise.

Even before graduating from Hazleton High School, Rich began his broadcasting career at WAZL radio and eventually became one of the employees with the most longevity, even after the station's ownership changed several times.

He loved WAZL and progressed from part-time "kid" to station manager, always promoting quality local news, sports and community events on the radio, including broadcasts of high school sporting events and Little League baseball. In the 1990s, his donation of WAZL artifacts became the basis of the permanent radio station display at the Hazleton Historical Society museum. He also hosted a program on WYLN-TV and also had worked as an automotive sales consultant.

Rich also loved his community and volunteered for many local charitable causes. At the time of his passing, Rich was employed as the director of resource development for the United Way of Greater Hazleton, where he was responsible for various aspects of the annual campaign and programing, including issuing scholarships to families of preschool children. But he most enjoyed working with the "kitchen crew" at the annual community dinners on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. He also served on the board of Helping Hands Society and was host of the annual telethon for more than 30 years.

Rich served as president of Hazleton Kiwanis Club and was a director of CAN DO, was past exalted ruler of the Hazleton Elks Lodge and had served as chairman of the Hazleton Zoning Hearing Board. Last year, he served as master of ceremonies for the Hazleton city Sept. 11 memorial service. He had also served on the advisory committee for the Milton S. Hershey School. Rich was always quick to say "yes" when asked for help and never wanted recognition for it.

A classic car and racing enthusiast, Rich was president of the Blue Gray Chapter of the Oldsmobile Car Club of America, where he chaired the National Convention and Car Show in Gettysburg in 2018. He also loved attending NASCAR races and held media credentials through the Motor Sports Racing Network. Last summer, he was asked to be a guest auctioneer at the Mecum Auto Auction, which was nationally televised on NBC Sports network. He was also a great music lover and had a considerable collection of tunes in all genres on vinyl, cassette and CD.

Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Jean Saullo and Freddie and Betty Parise; his uncles, Louis Saullo Jr. and Gino Saullo.

He is survived by his wife, the former Denise Meyers; children, Samantha and Richard; stepchildren, Sara, David and Curtis Jones; three grandchildren, Jullianna, Adrianna and Guiliano; and his sister, Josette Moyer; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, and will be announced when the health restrictions are lifted.

Donations in Rich's memory may be made to the United Way of Greater Hazleton, 134 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton, PA 18201.