R.I.P.: Dick DiAndrea, Altoona PA Radio Broadcaster

Dick DiAndrea

Dick DiAndrea, a giant in the Altonna, PA radio has died.  He was 77, according to The Altoona Mirror.

DiAndrea began his broadcasting career May 1, 1960. He was named Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Radio Broadcaster of the Year in 2010. During his career, DiAndrea worked at WTRN-AM in Tyrone, WFBG-AM and WVAM-AM and WALY-FM in Altoona.

At one point in his career, he served as sales manager, station manager and then general manager at WFBG-AM. DiAndrea also worked in television, serving as host of an “American Bandstand” show on WFBG-TV in the 1960s.

Roger Corey, who first worked with DiAndrea in 1972, and co-hosted the Rog and Dick show on WALY-FM from 1991-2008, called him an icon in the local broadcasting industry.

“The footprint he left was really big, what he did in the local industry. The legacy he leaves is awfully wonderful,” Corey said. “He meant so much to so many people in and out of the industry. He did a lot of behind the scenes things for the community.”

Sean McKay, an on air personality at WFBG-AM from 1972-98 and now an on air personality for WKMC-AM&FM, said DiAndrea was one of the funniest guys around.

“He knew his music; he knew the business. He could have worked at any market in the country if he wanted to. Dick had both the voice and the personality,” McKay said.

“Back in those days, disc jockeys were stars,” McKay said. “He was the one playing the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Kids listened to his night show. Kids went to bed back then with their transistor radios. Dick DiAndrea was Altoona; he was a true legend.”