R.I.P.: Jim Santella, Well-Known Buffalo Radio Personality

Jim Santella (1938-2024)

Jim Santella, a celebrated DJ whose velvety voice was heard on Buffalo radio in a variety of formats for more than 40 years, died Friday in his Amherst home. He was 86.

Beginning at the University at Buffalo radio station, WBFO-FM, when he was a student, he played progressive rock at WYSL-FM, country music on WWOL, helped start the 97 Rock format, was program director at WUWU-FM and played jazz on WEBR.

He also wrote music and theater reviews for The Buffalo News and, with Anthony Chase, started the "Theater Talk" radio feature in 1992.