In Memory: Ralph Wiethorn

Ralph Wiethorn, popular radio host at WWSW-FM in the 60s and 70s, died Friday – a week before turning 83. Wiethorn was known for having a full voice – one perfect for radio. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1948 and went on to the Mann School for Radio Announcers. Before making a name for himself in Pittsburgh, Wiethorn worked at WVAM in Altoona and then worked in Steubenville before heading to WKJF-FM (93.7) in a rather new building atop Mount Washington. There he would also host a TV show on WKJF-TV (53) called “Teens and Tunes”. His son, Eric Wiethorn told the Post-Gazette that the gig at WWSW was “his main gig”. The station played pop standards in those days. Mr. Wiethorn was also the first voice of station identification when WQED-FM signed on in 1973.

Following his radio career, Ralph Wiethorn became the Pittsburgh director of the Columbia School of Broadcasting and then worked in training and recuitment at Dean Institute of Technology. He is survived by his wife, his son, three daughters and seven grandchildren.