R.I.P.: Ohio, PA Broadcaster Frank Barber Was 72

Frank Barber

A Tiffin, Ohio radio broadcaster who had become known as the most trusted man in Seneca County was described Sunday by his colleagues as an incredible writer who had a passion for his job.

Frank Sbelgio - better known to Seneca County residents as Frank Barber - died Saturday evening at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo.

He was 72, according to advertiser-tribubne.com.

Steve Gilbert, who got to know Barber in the 1990s when he coached Columbian High School's football team, said Barber was born to be a radio personality.

Keith Hodkinson, president and general manager of SenecaCountyRadio.com, called Barber a "gem." He said Barber had been sick for a while and was in a lot of pain.

Hodkinson said he was in the cable television business, so he knew of Barber when he came to Tiffin from Pennsylvania in the mid-1990s. The two met in 2000 when Hodkinson went to WTTF 1600 AM to do a morning show, and Hodkinson said they became close friends.

Hodkinson, who named one of his dogs after Barber, said Barber was an incredible writer. He understood the business of broadcasting because he understood the job newscasters had to serve the public interest, he said.

Barber was also PD of WCNR 930 AM (now WHLM AM) in Bloomsburg, PA , in the mid-'70s. He also worked at WRAK 1400 AM and WWPA 1340 in Williamsport, PA.