Director's Alert: Former WKYC Personality Tom Haley Dies

LAKEWOOD -- Long time morning show anchor Tom Haley passed away suddenly this morning.

Haley was well known as the co-host of the popular early morning show "Today in Cleveland" for decades, where he entertained viewers alongside long-time partner Del Donahoo.

Haley was born in Brooklyn New York and studied Journalism at Fordham University. His lengthy broadcasting career began in the 1940's while working as an NBC page. In 1943, Haley began a radio broadcast career in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A year later he worked at WRC radio in Washington before coming to Cleveland where he first worked at WJW radio before joining WKYC.

His first major television effort was a one-hour variety show "Haley's Daily" which he wrote, produced and hosted. Later he was host of locally produced shows "Breakthrough", "Morning Surprise", and "Open Camera".

Haley was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle in 1991.

Haley, always the proud Irishman, passed away this morning around 8 am at Lakewood Hospital. His daugther Nan tells Channel 3 News he had been sick for the last two weeks.

Haley raised seven daughters, was grandfather to nine and great-grandfather to 4.

Tom Haley was 88.

Funeral arrangements will be posted as we get them.

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