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Tom Maciaszek Passes

I'm so sad. Like anyone else that spent time at WOBM, Maze was also the Big teddy bear I saw that first scary night in 1991, pulling into the lot...BAY what? "Just follow Route 9 till you see the Tower"...I'd never even heard of Bayville ....my first show, the ovenight...talk about green...I didn't even know how to use a CD player...he spent the entire night with me, patiently training a true blond with very little experience. He went home at 5am, and was back at 9am to do his real job, which was EVERYTHING that went on at the station, including producing EVERY commercial on the air...and came back again at midnight to babysit me until I was confident and comfortable...He set up the equipment at every remote I did for 5 years...cause I was "the girl", and shouldn't have to do that. (GOD, I loved that man!)
when he was let go the first time, we all screamed and freaked out until they hired him back..it only took us about 24 hours of protest and Maze was back! Maze was WOBM. When he came to my wedding, I was truly touched...because if you knew Maze, he did not do weddings! Rest in Peace my Big friend...Glenn and I will miss you ...you're in heaven now, you earned your place...You're so lucky...you get to be with your mom again, and I'll bet she's found a beatiful woman for you to love...and remember, in heaven, it's bagels every morning, not just Fridays.
Joanne Cruise
 
I just got the word from Steveo. I haven't seen Tom in many years now, far too long. (the same for many of you) Having grown up in Toms River, to me he was the voice of WOBM, inclement weather school closings etc. When you heard that voice you knew things were okay.

When I worked at WOBM from 89-94 Tom was as good a friend/mentor you could ask for. I cherish those long conversations we would have. He was such a gentle giant (not that I'm tiny). I remember bar-b-ques at Lee and Allison's where Tom was a fixture, heck he was a fixture in Ocean County. Irreplaceable.

Tom Rest in Peace my friend. I'm a better person for having known you.
:'(
 
It's been a few days since getting the news about Maze's passing, and it's still hard to believe.

I had that same shared experience of all of us here who have worked at WOBM. When Jeff Rafter hired me in 1993, Tom was one of the first people I met, welcoming me and flattering me by saying that he had heard me a few times on Seaview 107. On my first weekend, I discovered I had to run the last hour of Topic A (something Jeff had conveniently forgotten to tell me), so I was a bit nervous about that, considering it was being aired with no delay. But Tom guided me through it, and things were okay. Over the next few years, we would see each other occasionally since he was mostly working in Howell on the weekends. But then the AM was moved to Bayville, and that began the long run of Tom greeting me on Saturday mornings as I came in just before 6 on the shift I occupy now. Mornings filled with great conversations about the business (both yesterday and today), our shared Union County heritage (Elizabeth for Tom, Union Township for me), my Seton Hall / WSOU friends who came through WOBM, comments about the “snake oil d’jour” that was probably airing at the time, a weekly review of the Sopranos, and anything else under the sun. Almost all of it culminating in laughter, and everyone who ever heard it will remember Maze’s laugh. And I can still see Maze giving his humble little wave to Bob and Jeannie Richards when they would mention him on their show.
Any time I spent with Tom was also a learning experience, but it was more like sharing than teaching. And you never had a better student if you could share something with him. In his last years at WOBM, I was a bit jealous of him because he did a show on the AM that I always wanted to do at least once, called “Noontime Swing”. Or as I called it, “Dine and Graze with Mr. Maze”. On occasion I would bring in a few extra CDs for him, and he always thanked me on the show for the material and any stories about the songs and artists. So at least I was a part of it. (I’ll get that “Hot Standards” format on the air somewhere!)

When the time comes to formally pay our respects to him, I’m sure there will be many more stories to tell. Meanwhile, grab your favorite adult stimulant, “put it in your juice”, and raise your glass to Maze.

An original.

Adios My Friend

George W. Forman
 
I was hired late 2004 to do weekends at WOBM by Dan Turi. It was there that I met the kind-hearted, talented Wonderful Tom Maze. Weekends could be a bit lonely at WOBM, but Tom made them seem anything but, as we got to know each other, we found out we both grew up in Elizabeth, N.J. And so went the countless "remember the Italian Deli? or the Feast of St. Rocco, and on and on. I was quite unexperienced at the time, not a weekend would go by that I wasn't freaking out about running the board, (really freaking) but not for long, as Tom always seemed to be on hand to save me at the drop of a hat. There are not many people like Tom who, after being up many hours, would stay, tired as he was, just to be of help. But that was Tom. He also loved to read, as did I, lending me several books over the two years I worked with him. His knowledge of just about anything especially radio was astounding. I consider myself very very lucky to have learned from Tom. And laugh, yes, we laughed so hard it's no wonder I was able to talk at all on the air. The phrase "Big Teddy Bear" was used to describe Tom by one of his friends here, and that's exactly what comes to mind when I think of Tom. A Gentle Giant, and a caring soul who was a fixture at WOBM for so long. I remember getting an e-mail at my job from Tom some time ago, telling me about his show Noontime Swing, which he loved to do. I told him how happy I was for him, and I was. No one deserved it more than Tom, whatever good came his way, he earned, and then some. Just reading the thoughts posted here tonight, it amazes me how dedicated Tom really was. Walking in a snowstorm was not a chore for Tom, if it meant being there to keep the station on the air, that was his first priority, and what he did best. I am forever grateful to have known, let alone worked with Tom Maze. He never made me feel inferior, or clueless, for lack of a better word, even when I would scream down the hall " Maaaaze!!!Help! " As for Lee and his wife, Allison, God Bless you for all the time spent with your dear friend. I know he brought many wonderful moments to your lives as well. Tom, you were one of the all time greats, you will be truly missed. I was truly saddened to hear of Tom's passing, and it is with great love and respect that he is remembered by all who were so lucky to have known him. Keep em laughing from up above, Tom. Lisa Anderson
 
Remembering Maze.
His voice. His cats. His motorcycle with the seat so torn that he used electrical tape to seal it. His flannel shirts. His untied shoes. His on (and off) beard. His love and knowledge of Buddy Holly and the Crickets. His limited appearance at the Christmas parties. His generosity.His ham radio stories, especially the one about that North Korean man who was broadcasting the horrors of his country! His odd sense of humor,and how he would just laugh at the most ridiculous things!
His face when I ran to the studio to tell him that Leora (Little Peoples Palace) was on her way to record...or that Tony B. had another 23 spots...or the Fried family would be there...or Lou T, Irv N, Pearl M, Skip S, Eaglerama, and countless other advertisers who our Amazing Mr. Maze assisted without hesitation. I can't tell you how many times I had to rely on Tom for hundreds of last minute 4:45PM Friday copy changes. He never failed us. He taught me how to do my own production with patience and kindness.
How will Maze be remembered? With love, and respect, and with a smirk-ish smile on the many faces who were so lucky to have crossed paths with this lovable man on our radio journey together.
I stopped by the station several years ago. No familiar faces met me at the door. I asked if Maze was there. He was in the back studio sitting behind the board, in a flannel shirt, shoes off, with his big bare feet up on the console. That smirk on his face as always. I gave him a big hug and we talked for a time about the fun we had all of those years.
I will miss Tom and I will always keep him in mind whenever I see a radio tower or hear a Buddy Holly tune. Rave On.

Cathie (Plesh) Plescia - WOBM 1979-1998 - Director of Creative Services/Copy Chief
 
For the past year or so Tom (maze) and I spoke by phone at least 2-3times per week. Our conversations were mostly about radio, and the current state of the industry. Tom was a wealth of information about almost any topic. Tom especially got a kick out of when I stumbled upon an obscure AM station (I acted like I discovered America !) He would then proceed to tell me the history of that station and who may still be working there. Maze was truly amazing! But his interest in radio wasn’t just limited to broadcasting; he was concerned with the way the bean counters have ruined the industry citing examples of the plummeting stock values of clear channel and others whose stocks are literally pennies to purchase today!
Tom also loved shortwave and would tell me of radio stations he pulled in from far lands.

I was privileged to of had many long conversations with maze. Tom would have been touched by the out pouring of messages of love and respect that I have read on this broad. Tom would have loved to hear from all of you more. My thanks to the Kobus family for loving and taking care of Tom in a way he needed to be taken care of. My condolences to Phil Galasso who has lost a dear friend . As for myself I lost a close friend. I will miss him greatly. I will mourn him always.

From what I read God loves music and there is beautiful music in heaven played by angels. Sit back and enjoy my friend. Rest well.

Jimmy Esposito
 
Re: Tom Maciaszek Passes-working on memorial

For those of you who are interested in attending a memorial event for Tom, I just wanted to let you know that I am working on it and it may take a while to set it up. I am working on becoming legally authorized to handle funeral arrangements, since he had no family to do it. Once I can get that in motion, I will contact everyone who called and put a notice out on the board. So many details, legal and otherwise! This is not something I thought I would ever have to do. Who really thinks about it? Thank you all for your kind words regarding Tom. They made me both cry and smile. Yup, Tom touched the lives of many people in a way he never knew.

Allison Kobus
 
While Maze and I were not on the same page at times, and it was commonly known by the local radio crowd how he felt about ME (for reasons I will now never know) may I send to all of his many friends and former colleagues who passed through WOBM AM/FM in over a third of a century my heartfelt condolences on his passing.

He helped ME tremendously when I returned to WOBM-FM for the second time in '81, after I was appointed PD by the owners of the station. He was a fixture there already, and was quite helpful to get me up to speed on the little things that needed to be known about at the Bayville location.

Having started in the radio biz at WOBM-FM in 1970 at age 17, I am well aware of the heritage of the station.

Maze knew not just the nuts and bolts of the place, but engineering as well. I turned to him often, especially when I needed things done quickly when I returned to program the FM and AM stations. He started at a young age in the radio biz too, so we had that in common...and we shared the same unbridled desire to be on the air in some capacity, yet loved working behind the scenes as well. He knew the history of radio, and especially WOBM's legacy in Ocean County.

Here's the deal. Ask ANY one of my friends in the biz... THEY know that I NEVER want harm to befall ANYONE in the biz...or ANY person for that matter, no matter where my relationship with them stands. That applies here as well.

Jeez...ask around -- I felt bad when Maze lost HIS job just before I did two years ago. I also know how hard it IS these days in radio. He must have been terribly demoralized (like so many of us now) by not finding employment after SO many faithful years at WOBM. I've been in same shoes...it ain't fun. Having health issues is something I'm quite familiar with as some of you know.

I'm sorry that the Kobus' have to take care of all arrangements. Hats off to you folks. I had to help pay for George Benson's funeral arrangements a few years back.. He spent some time working with me and many others at WHLW/11-7 Radio back in the 70's. Having no family makes both of their deaths even more tragic. I would gladly pitch in to help in THIS case if it is needed.

I would ALSO hope that all of us who worked with Maze at ANY time in our careers would step up to the plate and help the Kobus' with anything we can.

My email is: [email protected].

I'm saddened by Maze's passing.

Rest in peace Tom.

Jay
 
Jay's point is well taken. Allison & Lee: If there is anything that you need assistance with, or even just to 'pass the hat' to offset expenses as you work hard to lay Maze to rest, please post it here for all to respoond to. As for me, find me at [email protected]. Thanks agian.

- Roy Nilsen
 
I was very glad to see Big Jay post. It had to be closure for you and Tom to write that. I dont know what happened to Tom, but i spent many evenings after my 7-12 shift slamming beers , and listening him talk to people in Russia on his ham radio. I didn't work there lomg, but hell, he had the beer, and he let me troll for Russian babes on his ham radio. I wasn't there long, but my respect for Jay and Maze were on different levels ( Jay never let me talk to over seas babes at his house, and god knows you didn't want to meet the Babes of 92.7 over the phone) But Jay taught me work ethic, and Maze taught me how to sneak in budweiser after 9 pm into the donut room .
 
You're Fired.

Thanks for the words man...

I still want to help the Kobus' with this...I don't know how to get in touch. No email on his post!

Privately email me please: [email protected]
Same goes to you Shoothoops...email me.

BE BIG
Jay
 
Will do, now which part did you fire me for? Ok, i shouldn't have been trolling for russian babes on shortwave
but there was always beer in the donut room after everybofy went home. How else could we deal with
"Island's in the Stream " with cue burns
 
It's been a long while since I've been on this board and I just read the news about Maze's passing. He was always a friendly, funny, and reassuring presence around the studios. Maze was one of the few people that you could honestly say was not replaceable at the station, even though he didn't fit in with the corporate-minded set that now dominates the business. Tom, you will be missed for your humor, friendship, and warm on-air personality among many other things. God bless.
Ted Ritter
WOBM News Anchor 1998-2001
 
We are working out the details for a memorial service for Tom. Not being his blood family, the legal hoops you need to jump through to gain the permissions to do anything have been ridiculous and time consuming. We have the permissions in place finally and are working out details. We will post the info as soon as plans are determined. Thanks for your continued interest.
 
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