Respected longtime WFCR newsman Bob Paquette dies unexpectedly
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AMHERST - Bob Paquette, a familiar voice on local radio from his longtime work on WFCR-FM in Amherst, died this weekend. He was 55.
According to officials with WFCR, where Paquette began working in 1991, the veteran newscaster died either late Friday night or early Saturday morning of an apparent heart attack. An autopsy is being performed to determine the exact time and cause of death.
Martin Miller, CEO and general manager of WFCR and its sister AM station WNNZ, said in a statement released Sunday that "There are no words to express our shock and grief over the loss of our colleague and friend Bob Paquette. Our heartfelt condolences and sympathies go out to Bob's husband, Michael Packard, and to their families, friends and colleagues."
Miller said Paquette, WFCR's senior news producer and the host of the station's "Morning Edition" show, was recognized throughout the region for his excellence and professionalism. For so many listeners, Miller noted, Paquette was "the voice of WFCR every morning."
A 1977 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Paquette got his start in radio at the campus radio station, WMUA-FM, when he arrived at school in 1973. He would later work for the former WTTT-AM in Amherst in a number of capacities. He joined WFCR in 1991 and took on several assignments at the station over the years.
UMass Chancellor Robert Holub, in a statement, added that Paquette was not only a skilled broadcaster but "a proud UMass graduate ... we will cherish the memory of his role at our commencement ceremonies, where his voice of authority and joy set the perfect tone for our most important community celebration."
Arrangements for a memorial service are pending and will be announced by the family. In the meantime, listeners are invited to send their remembrances of Bob to radio@wfcr.org.
Comments
Bob Paquette
I only met Bob once, many years ago, but like many others, I felt like he was a friend - a frequent companion on my commute to work in the morning. With so many drastic changes happening in the world, we appreciate examples of constancy in our lives. That's what Bob provided - a calm, friendly, professional, constant voice to begin our day. There's a big hole in the Valley today - one that will not be easy to fill.
Paul Lyons
Words can't express the
Words can't express the sense of loss I am feeling at the news of Bob's passing. As a partner in a group that purchased WTTT-AM in February of 1990, I became the new morning show host, with Bob as my newsman. I could not have performed this role without Bob's support, professionalism and sense of humor.
Eight months later Bob's was the first ever voice heard on the brand new radio station at 100.9fm, WRNX and continued as News Director for both stations until leaving for WFCR.
Bob was a consummate broadcaster and will be missed by the entire Pioneer Valley as well as the radio broadcasting industry.
Bruce Stebbins
Bob Paquette
What a shock and how sad to read of Bob Paquette's passing. I worked with him many years ago when he was the news director at WRNX. I have always been impressed by his consummate professionalism. He was always the least punchy of the FCR hosts at the end of a pledge drive, and in fact, always seemed to enjoy himself at these events. I always thought he had the chops to go national, but that he stayed in the valley for the quality of life.
Several years ago, Bob played the role of God at a Transperformance show, and as always, did a perfect job. Rest in Peace, Bob
Bob Paquette
Dear Michael Packard, and good staff of WFCR,
I am so terribly terribly sorry to hear of Bob's sudden passing. Please be strong and comforted at this shocking time.
May his dear, lovely soul rest in peace. We have lost a pillar of our community, a warm, receptive, humorous bastion of strength, taste and real character.
I will miss him so much. So much.
Roger Salloom