A Syracuse radio and TV legend has signed off after a Hall of Fame career in broadcasting.
Rick Gary departed Sunny 102 (WZUN-FM), station owner Galaxy Media announced Thursday. Gary had been on the Central New York airwaves for decades, most recently playing golden oldies and classic rock and roll on Sunny 102, where the studio was named after him last year.
“Rick Gary’s influence on our station and our community cannot be overstated,” Galaxy CEO Ed Levine said in a statement. “He helped define Sunny 102 for so many listeners and leaves behind a legacy of excellence in broadcasting.”
Born and raised in Syracuse, Gary worked at 11 radio stations in four different states, including Y94FM (WYYY-FM), Sunny 102 and Utica’s Mix 102.5 (WUMX-FM). He started his career at WBKY while attending the University of Kentucky.
CNYRadio.com reports his early days included the “Rick and Ron” morning show on WOLF in the 1970s until the station changed formats in 1981. He also hosted mornings on WSYR 570 AM before joining WSYR’s television station in 1986.
He spent 23 years on NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) from 1986 to 2009, serving as a weather presenter and morning news anchor; co-hosting “Bridge Street Live” from 2004 to 2009; and sharing “Rick’s Recipes” cooking segments.
Gary was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYS) Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Rick’s contributions will forever be part of Sunny 102 as we broadcast each day from the Rick Gary Studio,” Galaxy Media said in a press release. “Galaxy Media extends its deepest gratitude for his years of dedication. While he will be greatly missed on the air, his legacy will continue to resonate with listeners and colleagues alike. Rick’s therapy dog, Ringo, will be especially missed by the office staff. Galaxy Media congratulates Rick Gary on an extraordinary career and wishes him all the best in this next chapter.”
In this 2017 file photo, Rick Gary, right, and his dog Ringo visit Syracuse University’s Bird Library to encourage students to take a break from studying and pet therapy dogs from The GO Team Therapy Dogs of Syracuse. Michael Greenlar | syracuse.comMichael Greenlar | syracuse.com
syracuse.com | The Post-Standard has contacted Gary for comment.
A large number of fans and colleagues shared tributes to Gary on social media.
“I was probably 14 when I first heard him on the radio, 1973 or so. It was 2 guys actually, one a deep voice guy named Ron, and the funny frantic guy Rick. Rick and Ron in the morning,” Syracuse radio veteran Jim Reith wrote on Facebook. “I had the privilege of working with Rick as one of his morning news anchors on WSYR. He taught me by example what a professional is. I’m happy to honor him this way while he’s still alive and kicking!! If a stranger asked me about Rick I’d say this: Dude is legend. Dude is icon. Dude IS SYRACUSE RADIO.”
“Excellence in broadcasting indeed,” said Kathy Rowe, Gary’s former co-host on Y94FM. “Wishing you the best Rick. Fill up the tank and go enjoy yourself. What an incredible run.”
“My guy!!!!!” former K-Rock host Jamie “Big Smoothie” Hantke added. “I’ve been able to work with legends in this buisness, in this town!!!! POPS is a top notch legend!!!”
“I worked with Rick way back at WTLB. He’s a good guy and I wish him the best,” Jeff Moulton wrote.
“Definitely a true legend! Rick is so much more than radio and TV. I’ve listened to him for years!” Shirley Florczyk commented. “Best wishes to you for whatever your next chapter brings!!