R.I.P.: Superjock Larry Lujack Dies

Larry Lujack

Chicago radio legend Larry Lujack, who spent most of his career at the Big 89, WLS-AM died Wednesday at his home in New Mexico.

He was 73 and had been suffering from esophageal cancer.

Lujack was teamed up there with fellow DJ Tommy Edwards. The two were known to their fans as "Uncle Lar' and Lil Tommy."

Lujack's cutting dry wit and almost gravelly voice turned segments, such as animal stories, into must-listen moments.

Jan Jeffries, senior vice president corporate/programming for WLS Radio issued the following statement on Lujack's death: "The passing of Larry is a loss not only to countless friends across Chicagoland, but to hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners who affectionately referred to him as Uncle Lar'. Larry defined WLS. Bigger than life and legendary. He will be missed as a broadcaster, however, even more as a humanitarian with a heart of gold. Larry would want us to celebrate his life and that is the way will honor his passing. God's speed Larry!"



He worked for rock ‘n’ roll stations in Chicago from the 1960s until 1987.

Jude Lujack told The Chicago Tribune how much her husband enjoyed his retirement in New Mexico, where’d he’d lived the last 15 years, teaching his grandchildren how to golf and enjoying the mountainous views.

“He was passionate … about everything that he did, whether it was helping neighbors or taking care of charities,” said Lujack.

Jude Lujack said he leaves behind a daughter, a son, a stepson and two grandchildren. Another son preceded him in death.

“We’re really hurting right now,” she said Wednesday night from their New Mexico home.

He was elected to the Illinois Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2004.