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RIP longtime WMWM, Salem DJ Bob Nelson aka "raccoonradio" at 62

E

Eli Polonsky

Before this is moved to "in Memoriam", I wanted to start it on this board that serves his area, and that he often participated on as "raccoonradio".

According to posts relayed to Facebook by friends from his sister Barbara, Bob Nelson passed away at 62 yesterday, following hospitalization and suffering from multiple health issues including two heart attacks and other problems since just over two months ago.

Bob was a DJ, host, and producer at the Salem State University volunteer radio station WMWM 91.7 FM for over 40 years. He hosted several music programs of many sorts, but his main focuses were blues music, and local blues and roots-rock music shows on which he frequently brought many local musical artists onto the air.

When WMWM underwent a "reorganization" by Salem State a couple of years ago, Bob and many other non-student community members started a new online-only internet station "North of Boston Radio" and moved their programs there.

I had only met Bob in person at some live music shows a few times, but I enjoyed listening to his shows over the years, and enjoyed many discussions about Boston radio and history with him. (I have not seen an official obituary yet).
 
I've had some differences and various B.S. arguments with Bob in the past (particularly way, way back when I ran a blog that I left abandoned long ago due to a shift in personal interests, real life intrusions, etc.) We disagreed on many things, especially when it came to politics (let's just say that he was far more to the right than me, but we all have our own unique opinions). Still liked the guy. He had his own unique style.

That said, I am truly saddened by Bob's passing. He was way too young to leave us, and while we had never met personally, I have no doubt he was a straight-up good dude. My heart goes out to his loved ones and anyone who knew him.
 
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:(
 
This Saturday 1/11 starting at noon there will be a six-hour online tribute to Bob on "North of Boston Radio", the internet station started by Bob and several other former community volunteer DJ's from WMWM, when Salem State decided to make WMWM all-student, (or just automated music when no students are on), a couple of years ago.

This is their Facebook event link for the tribute show, and for those not on Facebook, the text is pasted below: "On Air Memorial for Bob Nelson".

Saturday we will be hosting an on air memorial in honor of our beloved NOBR family member.
We are planning to share memories and play music that he loved.
We encourage friends, family, and listeners to call in to the station to share memories during this time.
Dial 9789991305 then follow prompts to speak to the on air hosts.
Bob and Aaron's show What's Happening, and Acoustic Avenue will be dedicated to this and taking your calls on air.
Please tune in to NORTHOFBOSTONRADIO.COM
 
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Oh no! Genuinely sorry to hear of his passing. Before I found this place I stumbled across him on Twitter where we would chat about radio stuff. Guy was a ride or die for the Howie Carr show and even heard Rich from T&R call him out on the air once (in a friendly, positive way).
 
Didn't know him in any way other than raccoonradio, but always enjoyed his posts here. Having just turned 60 myself a few days ago, this hits too close to home. God speed and condolences to his family and those who knew him.
 
_Methuselah said:
Didn't know him in any way other than raccoonradio, but always enjoyed his posts here. Having just turned 60 myself a few days ago, this hits too close to home. God speed and condolences to his family and those who knew him.
Click to expand...

Oh no! I'm older than Methuselah?

Likewise, I only knew Bob through this forum, but I was familiar with his on-air work and with WMWM, having grown up in the Salem area and still having family there. Condolences to his family and friends.
 
An obituary has been released, however, it provides the services notice for another Robert Nelson, Robert *G* Nelson of Frederic WI, who passed the same day! šŸ˜±
Apparently there won't be public services for The Raccoon Man: Lynn Item/Legacy Obit
 
Sorry to hear this. Bob's participation in the online radio community predates the Radio-Info launch in the late 90s as he was an active contributor to the Boston Radio Interest mailing list and many early Usenet groups as well. There's only a handful of people like @fybush and myself that have been active since the mid 90s on radio forums of various ilk, so losing any hurts.

Plus I don't think in any way shape or form did any moderator ever have to delete something he posted for any reason.
 
Bob was not just a close friendā€¦he was like a third brother to me. We both had two LOVES - ā€œRadioā€ and ā€œFurry.ā€ We had a close association with Adult Alternative radio with his own radio show in Salem, MA and my old radio show on KSBR 88.5 OC but also our connection to the Furry Fandom. We had a bond like none other. Iā€™ll never forget our trip to 91.3 WYEP in Pittsburgh last July before Anthrocon. We were like kids in Willie Wonkaā€™s chocolate factory. To be in my fursuit ā€œJoe Bearā€ meeting WYEPā€™s Afternoon Host Rosemarie was a treat!! Bob loved it. The thing Iā€™ll miss more is the constant online banter on Facebook and BlueSky. I love you, brother. You are not forgotten and I will be putting a full page tribute in Anthroconā€™s 2025 conbook in your honor. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and commitment in making this world a better place. You are loved, and will be so deeply missed. Joe Goria aka Joe Bear
 

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Thank you, Lance. Bob and I commented on your website and your contributions are legendary. Thank you for honoring ā€œourā€ friend that Iā€™m so devastated over losing. He was truly one of a kind
 
Eli Polonsky said:
This Saturday 1/11 starting at noon there will be a six-hour online tribute to Bob on "North of Boston Radio", the internet station started by Bob and several other former community volunteer DJ's from WMWM, when Salem State decided to make WMWM all-student, (or just automated music when no students are on), a couple of years ago.

This is their Facebook event link for the tribute show, and for those not on Facebook, the text is pasted below: "On Air Memorial for Bob Nelson".

Saturday we will be hosting an on air memorial in honor of our beloved NOBR family member.
We are planning to share memories and play music that he loved.
We encourage friends, family, and listeners to call in to the station to share memories during this time.
Dial 9789991305 then follow prompts to speak to the on air hosts.
Bob and Aaron's show What's Happening, and Acoustic Avenue will be dedicated to this and taking your calls on air.
Please tune in to NORTHOFBOSTONRADIO.COM
Click to expand...
Iā€™ll be calling in
 
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