Joe Campbell, Oneonta’s Legendary “Grand Old Man of Radio,” Dies
Joe Campbell, a well-known Oneonta educator, coach, mentor and radio broadcaster has died. Joe passed away Wednesday afternoon with his family by his side.
Joe taught for decades in the Oneonta school system and was a sports coach and adviser to many area teams. Joe, who had a formidable boxing career of his own as a youth, was well-known to all throughout the city, especially in his beloved Sixth Ward.
As for me, personally, Joe will always be the once and forever "Grand Old Man of Radio." He was on the air at WDOS in Oneonta for an astounding 50 years, truly one of the most remarkable radio careers in American broadcasting history. Joe's "Sentimental Journey" was a staple on the airwaves every Saturday morning. His true love was the music of the 1930s and 1940s and he was a walking encyclopedia as far as knowledge of the Big Band Era was concerned.
Joe was the reason I first got into radio in 1989. In fact, you could say he "recruited me." I will miss my old friend. He was a one-of-a-kind guy. An icon. A legend. And the last of the true gentlemen.
Enjoy your sentimental journey, Grand Old Man. The band is warming up and waiting for you....