R.I.P.: WCBM Baltimore Radio Talker Tom Marr

Tom Marr (Sun Photo)

Tom Marr, a longtime WCBM 680 AM Radio talk show host who was known for his conservative stance on issues and earlier had been news director at WFBR-AM Radio and a member of the radio play-by-play team for the Orioles, died Thursday from a massive stroke following back surgery.

He was 73, according to The Baltimore Sun.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce Thomas A. Marr has passed away today due the severity of his stroke," a message posted on the WCBM website said Thursday morning. "Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers!"

Marr, who has been one of the more recognizable figures in Baltimore radio, began his career here in 1967 with WFBR-AM where he started as a reporter and then served as the station’s news director. He was also the weekend sports anchor at WMAR-TV.

He joined WCBM in 1988 where he was both a reporter and political commentator and later became a talk show host.

The Marr family has issued the following statement to WCBM News:

“At 10:36 this morning (7/7/16) our family patriarch, Thomas Aquinas Marr passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. While we all prayed that he would make an eventual recovery, the severity of the stroke was insurmountable. We are thankful that he passed quickly and without suffering. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon, five children and 10 grandchildren. 

We cannot convey how touched we were to hear and read the overwhelming words of support that came in over the past several days. We know he was special to so many throughout Maryland, as well as his audiences and media colleagues across the nation, and overseas. But he was even more special to us as a husband, father, and grandfather. He was our hero, and we will miss him dearly.”

Sean Casey, Director of Programming & Operations issued this statement:

“Tom Marr was one of the founding fathers of WCBM.  He helped to build this news-talk radio station into the force that it is today.  He has had a successful career while, informing and entertaining listeners in Baltimore and worldwide. Tom was one of a kind and I considered myself to be very fortunate and blessed to have known him and worked with him. On behalf of the Mangione family and Station Manager Marc Beaven, our thoughts, prayers and condolences are extended to the Marr Family. Semper Fidelis, Tom.”

WCBM 680 General Manager Marc Beaven:

“The family of Tom Marr lost a dear and great husband and father. We share in their loss from the WCBM family and the family of listeners to our station. Tom Marr was a true visionary in talk radio and through the years honed his craft to become one of the best talk show hosts in the country. He will be missed by all and dearly by me Marc Beaven, a person who called him a friend”