Broadcasting icon Fred Honsberger spoke his mind
KDKA-Radio personality Fred Honsberger knew how to disagree -- sometimes vehemently -- with callers and guests on his talk show without disrespecting them, friends and fans said Wednesday.
"We would go round and round, and our disagreements could get heated sometimes, but it never got personal," said Jack Shea, president of the Allegheny County Labor Council, who was on Honsberger's final show last week. "We really lost somebody who meant a lot to Pittsburgh."
Honsberger, who celebrated three decades at KDKA this year, died yesterday morning in his Monroeville home. He was 58.
Station management and friends would not discuss his health, and there was no answer at his home. Honsberger was on vacation when he died and was scheduled to return to the airwaves after the holidays, according to station management.
In July 2004, Honsberger spoke publicly about his lifelong battle to control his weight when he announced that he was undergoing gastric bypass surgery. He lost 140 pounds, which helped control diabetes and high blood pressure.
Known as the "Honz Man," he had a reputation to speak his conservative mind that reached beyond radio listeners, and leaders yesterday spoke of his influence on the region's political discourse.
Ginny Knor, a spokeswoman for the Salvation Army, recalled meeting Honsberger at a 1993 event supporting the group, which he spent years helping.
"He was doing a celebrity red kettle appearance in Market Square, and a bus driver pulled up to him, opened the door and started yelling at Fred," Knor said. "Fred said a few words back, but he wasn't angry.
"I remember thinking that it was a shame that some people didn't realize that his radio persona wasn't the entirety of Fred's personality. You couldn't meet a more kind, caring and compassionate man," Knor said.
Honsberger joined KDKA in 1979 as a reporter. Before settling in Pittsburgh, he worked as a news anchor at KYW-Radio in his hometown of Philadelphia.
He was news director at WKBO Radio in Harrisburg and operations director at WRSC/WQWK in State College. He won dozens of broadcasting awards during his career.
Honsberger was the news director for KDKA Radio from 1984-89 before becoming a talk show host for the station. He hosted the noon to 3 p.m. time slot since early January.
Some listeners said they were drawn to his show to hear Honsberger disagree with callers.
"Part of his charm was the arguments he would present," said Darlene Bienemann of Bethel Park. "That was the reason I liked the Honz."
Paul Rotondo, 52, of Lawrenceville said that while he frequently disagreed with Honsberger's opinions, he "listened all the time."
"He was a deep part of the fabric of the region," said Ken Seisek of Banksville. "He will be truly missed."
KDKA colleagues Mike Pintek and Larry Richert went on the air during Honsberger's time slot yesterday to reminisce and field condolences from listeners. Many fans posted sympathy notes on his Facebook page.
Pintek and Honsberger became friends in the 1970s when they worked at a radio station in Harrisburg.
"We hit it off immediately," Pintek said, adding that Honsberger was best man at his wedding. "I feel fortunate that I was able to learn a great deal from him about showmanship and being aggressive and competitive in going after a story."
Knor called Honsberger a "wonderful advocate" for the Salvation Army, who "understood the full scope of who we are and what we do and was very hands-on."
Lisa Price, who entertains customers with her trumpet outside the Kmart in Shaler Plaza while she works a red kettle, said she owes her musical training to Honsberger.
"Shortly after I got involved with the Salvation Army, I met Fred, and he gave me lessons on the trumpet," said Price, 43. Honsberger was accomplished on the euphonium.
"He kind of took to me, gave me private lessons, and we've remained friends through the years," she said. "I'm so sad that he's gone. My heart grieves for his wife and children. We've lost a truly wonderful man today."
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato called Honsberger "a consummate professional."
"I had the pleasure and honor of working with Fred my entire political career, and whether you agreed or disagreed with him, he was always fair," Onorato said. "This region has lost a broadcasting icon and a great independent voice."
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said Honsberger's role in "engaging the public on political issues will be extremely hard to replace."
Honsberger is survived by his wife, Chris, and two sons, Kevin and Kyle. Funeral arrangements were not complete.
Additional Information:
Public memorial service
A public memorial service for Fred Honsberger has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday in the Salvation Army Worship Center, Third Avenue and the Boulevard of the Allies, Downtown.
