As those of us who work in the business of radio and television know, we encounter many people in our professional journeys as we transit from one station to another. Some of them become friends, others competitors. But we all have a passion for what we are doing through good times and bad.I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Embrescia at age 91. Our paths crossed when I worked for his son, Tom Embrescia, who owned WDOK, WWWE and WRMR. (Ironically, Tom bought WDOK & WWWE from WKYC parent company Gannett who owned the stations for several years). I never knew what Fred's job really was. He just kinda hung out at the station sorting the mail and making sure everyone was working hard, or was that hardly working?
No matter what, Fred always brought a smile to your face with that Italian demeanour and grandeur.
For those of you around in the days of WRMR/AM 850, Fred was a big part of the "Music of Your Life" format. Every morning, he would join in with "The Captain" Carl Reese for some interesting banter that sometimes I never understood. Maybe I was just too young. But, people loved him and he loved the spotlight.I remember going to his 75th birthday party on the Nautica Queen. We sailed around the harbor and it was just a fun time. It was as simple as he was. Those fun times are just fond memories.
We'll miss you Fred.
