R.I.P.: Art Wander, Legendary Broadcaster

Art Wander (1927-2025)

Art Wander, a cherished icon of Western New York sports broadcasting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday night, August 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 98 years old. Known for his vibrant personality and lifelong passion for sports and media, Wander left an indelible mark on the broadcasting world and the communities he served.

His daughter, Kelley Clem, shared that Wander remained true to his passions until the very end. The night before his passing, he was animatedly discussing New York Mets baseball with her, a testament to his enduring love for the game. 

At the time of his death, he was comforted by a Buffalo Bills blanket draped over his bed, a Mets banner adorning his room, and the soulful strains of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” playing on his Alexa, which he playfully nicknamed “Alaska.”

Wander’s remarkable career began with his service in the U.S. Navy, where he produced radio programs for the Veterans Administration hospital system, bringing entertainment and connection to veterans. In 1956, he joined WKBW radio in Buffalo as a news reporter, marking the start of a decades-long journey in broadcasting. His talent and ambition took him to New York City in the early 1960s, where he honed his skills before embarking on a prolific career programming radio stations across major markets, including Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Baltimore, Atlanta, Tampa, Dayton, and Memphis during the 1970s.

His keen ear for talent helped launch the careers of national broadcasting giants like Rick Dees and ESPN’s Dan Patrick, cementing his influence in the industry.

Returning to Buffalo in the 1980s, Wander continued to shape the local airwaves as a radio programmer and on-air personality at WGKT 1400 AM. His charisma and wit earned him affectionate nicknames like “Tiny Tot of the Kilowatt” and “Artie Baby Boo-Boo.” 

His popularity soared in 1989 when Buffalo Bills general manager Bill Polian gave him a memorable shout-out during a fiery “get out of town” speech at a Bills quarterback luncheon, a moment that became part of local lore.

In the early 1990s, Wander took on the role of afternoon drive call-in host on WGR 550, where his engaging style and deep sports knowledge captivated listeners. He later joined the Empire Sports Network, further solidifying his status as a regional broadcasting legend. His contributions to the industry were formally recognized in 2008 when he was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame, an honor celebrating his decades of impact on the airwaves.

Art Wander’s passing marks the end of an era for Western New York broadcasting, but his voice, spirit, and love for sports will continue to resonate with the countless fans, colleagues, and listeners he touched over his extraordinary 98 years.