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Fred Honsberger 1951-2009

A

AM McKeesport

Guest
KDKA has confirmed that Fred Honsberger has passed away at the age of 58. RIP Fred.
 
Very sad to lose anyone at this time of year. My heart breaks for Lynn and the boys.

Fred was far sicker for far longer than most let on. Most stations would have forced him into retirement long ago.
 
I would listen to his show on occasion if I was within earshot. I e-mailed him a couple of times and he actually took the time to respond which is something rare these days in a big market. Pittsburgh radio lost a good one.
 
It brings chills up my spine, on the day the station is remembering the late Fred Honsberger, to hear a news update liner voiced by the late Brian James...

With that said, the hosts are doing a commendable job fielding listener calls and playing old Honsberger clips. Makes it worth CC yanking Rush away from KDKA years ago.

Link to the story from KDKA's website:
http://kdka.com/local/Fred.Honsberger.Talk.2.1373262.html
 
So sorry to hear that. He has not looked at all well for a number of years.
I am sure he has gone to a better place. Prayers for his family.
 
Fred had a multitude of health problems ever since his gastric bypass surgery. He had been virtually homebound for some time and was doing his show from a studio in his house. He didn't even make it to the station for his 30th anniversary.
 
A dynamic broadcaster. Whether you agreed or disagreed with politics, he was very fair and a great interviewer. By far a Pittsburgh radio pioneer. My hearts and prayers go out to his family.
 
Thoughts and prayers from Lancaster, PA. I loved listening to Hons man in the afternoons when I lived in the Pittsburgh area for the 10 years before moving here in April. I used to like when he had "Ken and Jenn" on in the afternoons a few years ago. I hear Jenn is back on Channel 2, so maybe they were doing it again. My condolences to the Honsberger family.
 
:(

It's been a bleak month so far. Condolences to his wife, sons and colleagues. He was apparently much more congenial off the air and I wish that side of him had come out on the air.
 
Boss Radio said:
Fred had a multitude of health problems ever since his gastric bypass surgery. He had been virtually homebound for some time and was doing his show from a studio in his house. He didn't even make it to the station for his 30th anniversary.
Click to expand...

Not to sound like a dolt, but did the bypass come too late to halt existing problems or did the bypass cause them?
 
corporateradiosucks said:
Boss Radio said:
Fred had a multitude of health problems ever since his gastric bypass surgery. He had been virtually homebound for some time and was doing his show from a studio in his house. He didn't even make it to the station for his 30th anniversary.
Click to expand...

Not to sound like a dolt, but did the bypass come too late to halt existing problems or did the bypass cause them?
Click to expand...

The bypass led to problems that had not existed before.
 
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Tony LaRussa has a lengthy article about Mr. Honsberger's passing:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_658165.html

Also, the Post-Gazette has a write-up on KDKA's coverage of Fred's passing:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09351/1021558-455.stm

In addition, KDKA has announced that there will be a public memorial service for The Honzman at the Salvation Army Worship Center this Sunday (it was one of his favorite charities). More info here:
http://kdka.com/local/public.memorial.KDKA.2.1374372.html

Boss Radio said:
corporateradiosucks said:
Not to sound like a dolt, but did the bypass come too late to halt existing problems or did the bypass cause them?
Click to expand...
The bypass led to problems that had not existed before.
Click to expand...

The following paragraph from the P-G article may put things into perspective for those unaware of Fred's health situation:

In 2004, he underwent gastric bypass surgery in order to lose weight. Two years later, he was sidelined by a broken leg. Following that, he was diagnosed with a degenerative muscular condition that left him fatigued and weak. He didn't go public with it or discuss it on the air, and continued to broadcast his show from a studio in his house.
 
My sincere condolences to his family. I think he was someone that truly understood the power and possibilities of the talk show (whether on TV or Radio) and how to entertain his audience. He was able to use his forum to do a lot of good by promoting various charity initiatives (children's hospital, KD turkey fund, etc).
 
71dude said:
:(

It's been a bleak month so far. Condolences to his wife, sons and colleagues. He was apparently much more congenial off the air and I wish that side of him had come out on the air.
Click to expand...


I watched my my wife approach Fred at a Giant Eagle checkout line she was a fan and asked him for an autograph he was gracious as he could be.
 
I was shocked to hear the news yesterday, I had not talked to "Honz" in a few years, but will always remember the time we spent together in Harrisburg. He was a pro and a joy to work with, Linda and I will pray for Chris and the boys. Rest in peace!

Dan
 
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