When I recorded my usual guest slot on Marc Lawrence’s radio program yesterday, Marc told me that co-host Jack Reynolds, who had missed a few shows while hospitalized, would be back with us on the program next week.  This was great news, as Jack’s personality and experience adds a lot to the show.  He had definitely been missed over the past few weeks and Marc, Victor King and I were all eager for his return.

This morning I got a call from a shaken Marc with the terrible news that Jack passed away at 4:30 this morning.

Jack was best known nationally for his wrestling work.  He teamed with Jesse Ventura for many years as the World Wrestling Federation’s top broadcasting duo, but his background in broadcasting went much deeper.

Going back to the 1960’s (and maybe even the 50’s), Jack was a popular DJ for iconic Cleveland rock & roll station WHK, the station whose influence is responsible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame being on Lake Erie. He was later a sports talk radio host for WWWE, and worked in TV for several Cleveland Stations. He was an accomplished baseball broadcaster, serving as play-by-play for the Canton-Akron minor league team. Jack’s work was recognized his industry, as he was a member of the Ohio Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

In semi-retirement in recent years he continued to do radio and TV work with Marc Lawrence, his close friend from Cleveland.  Off the air, Jack spoke often of his family and was particularly proud of his son Tony Rizzo, who turned broadcasting into a family business as a popular Cleveland television sports anchor.

Jack was a wonderful man, warm, funny, and a tremendous storyteller.  He had a million tales about the wrestling, baseball, and football worlds.   I only knew him from doing the radio program with him (a change in travel plans scuttled a hoped-for Las Vegas dinner a couple of years ago), yet I counted him as a friend. A great family man, Jack knew the names of my wife and children, and with genuine interest always asked about them.   I thoroughly enjoyed my interaction with Jack and will miss him greatly.

Jack leaves behind a lot of family, including his wife and both of his parents, who are in their 90’s.  Condolences to Jack’s family and to his close friend Marc Lawrence.

Rest in peace, Jack.