The Valley is mourning the loss of a familiar voice and a cherished presence. John O’Brien, longtime WAQY radio personality and a pillar of the local broadcasting community, has passed away. His family shared the heartbreaking news, leaving countless listeners and colleagues reflecting on the impact he made across decades on the air.
For so many, John wasn’t just a radio host—he was part of the rhythm of daily life. His voice carried through early-morning drives, long work commutes, snow-day announcements, and the ordinary moments in between. He became woven into the fabric of New England living, offering humor, commentary, and a steady presence that felt like home.
Before joining WAQY, John’s path hinted early on at the career he was destined for. As a young police explorer and later as a dispatcher, he already had that voice—unmistakable, commanding, and uniquely suited for radio. Those who knew him then recognized something special in him long before the broader community came to know him through the airwaves.
Although many were aware that his health had been declining, the news of his passing still comes with a profound weight. Losing someone so deeply rooted in the community—someone whose work connected, entertained, and comforted countless people—is never easy.
Friends remember John not only for his broadcasting talent but also for his personality: witty, sharp, lovably cranky in a way that made you laugh, and always unapologetically himself. It feels strangely poetic and deeply bittersweet that he left this world on the eve of the Mayflower Marathon—the iconic Food Raiser he co-founded and helped shape into a beloved community tradition.
A recent photo of John, taken just last month as he contemplated an oddly shaped homemade pizza, now carries even more meaning—a reminder of the humor and authenticity he brought into every space he entered.
John O’Brien leaves behind a legacy that will echo far beyond the studio walls. His voice, his character, and his contributions to local radio will be remembered with immense gratitude.
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