WTVN reports that former long time morning host Bob Conners passed away at his home in Florida last night after a swift battle with mantle cell lymphoma, he was 80. “BC” as he was known, was an extremely well-respected Columbus media icon and had served the Central Ohio market for more than 40 years before his retirement in 2011.
“Bob Conners was an institution in Columbus, a true professional and class act." said iHeartMedia Columbus Market President Brian Dytko, "He was a familiar and comforting voice for WTVN listeners for decades,” Dytko reiterated. “We have all been blessed to work with him."
Conners, Robert Foster Charles, died at his Marco Island, FL home on Nov. 23, 2014.
Bob was born on December 12, 1933 in Clearfield, PA to Robert Charles Conners and Zona Foster Conners. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Ann Conners.
Bob graduated from St. Mary's Central Catholic High School in St Mary's, PA (1952), and received a BA in Aviation and Communications from The Ohio State University (1986).
BC was a preeminent radio broadcaster. His 60+ year career began in high school at WKBI in St Marys, PA and continued at WJET in Erie, PA. He served in the United States Army from 1956-58. He returned to broadcasting on the west coast at KSON and —-KDEO— in San Diego, CA then with WEEP in Pittsburgh, PA. He came to Columbus in 1964 to work at WTVN and called central Ohio home ever since.
His tenure in the morning slot at 610 WTVN began in 1978 and lasted until his retirement in 2011.
Well known for the Rally in the Alley, HineyGate, and his top rated Saturday morning call-in show, Bob touched central Ohio like no other.
He was an active member in the Irish community with the Shamrock Club of Columbus and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus, as well as a long time supporter and promoter of the Charity Newsies and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio.
Survived by brothers Tom Conners of Altoona, PA and Dan Conners (Kathleen) of San Luis Obispo, CA. wife of 37 years, Linda of Marco Island, FL. Children Kevin (Rachel), Michael (Lori), Mark, and Kathryn Beck (David) all of Columbus, OH. Also, 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
He lived his life very publicly, and wanted his death to be in private. As Bob frequently quipped that “it is better to be seen than viewed”, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
Donations can be made in his name to The Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio 115 S. Gift St Columbus, Ohio 43215; Charity Newsies 4300 Indianola Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43214; or St. Charles Preparatory School 2010 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43209.
