ROCHESTER — On July 6, former Syracuse radio personality Jack Mindy will be calling it a career… stepping away from the mic after more than half a century. Longtime Syracuse residents may remember Mindy’s voice from WHEN, WFBL and WSYR during the 1970s.
In this week’s NorthEast Radio Watch column, Scott Fybush also points out Mindy was working in the Salt City at just the right time to land himself a cameo in the 1977 hockey fan cult classic “SlapShot,” which was filmed partially in Syracuse.
Mindy will be wrapping up his career at WGMC-FM, Jazz 90.1 in Greece, a suburb of Rochester. There, he serves as afternoon host and Operations Manager. The station, owned by the Greece Central School District, credits Mindy for heading up efforts in 2004 to increase the station’s power sevenfold, to 15,000 watts, greatly increasing its listenership. Even though Greece is a bit far for most of Mindy’s fans to tune in, the station is also streamed live online.
Besides working in Syracuse and Rochester, Mindy’s resume also includes Buffalo, as well as some major markets including San Francisco, Detroit and Pittsburgh. You can reminisce with a trip to Mindy’s website, where he has posted airchecks from all of the above and a few other places he’s worked.
Worked with Jack in ’72-’74 at WHEN. A true pro, fun guy, one of my all-time favorites to listen to. Best of luck to a terrific talent!
John Simmons
There was no stronger or more talented line-up ever in Syracuse: “Sweet” Dick Burch, Jerry Morgan, Jack Mindy, Roy Taylor etc. etc. I worked (paid intern) at WHEN in the early 70′s while going to college, and had the pleasure of listening and watching these guys perform every day in person. Those were the days where you had to prepare for each show–no computer. And you’re right Jack, John Patton and Deane Parkhurst were good people to work for. That’s when radio people were sincere and cared about each other. Good Luck Jack with your retirement and thanx for all those great memories!
Vinny Spadafora (retired broadcaster as well)