Remembering Don Bombard
June 28, 2023In 1977, Don Bombard moved to Pittsburgh from his native Syracuse to work as production director and afternoon drive for WKTQ (1320 – now WJAS). His Sunday Night Oldies Party at what by that time used to be 13Q was also well-known. While in Pittsburgh, he also worked at WIIC-TV (11 – now WPXI) as a booth announcer.
We are hearing through various channels that Bombard, better known as Bob Shannon, has died. Following his time in Pittsburgh, Shannon moved to New York City where he eventually made his way to WCBS-FM. That’s when he adapted his on-air name to “Bob Shannon” as the station already had Don K. Reed. By 1986 he was the host of the stations PM Drive slot until the station “took a sabattical” in 2005. The station returned in 2007 and Shannon was there to help with relaunch efforts and hosted programs as Don Bombard. He remained with the station for about 5 years retiring for health reasons.
No arrangements have been announced.
Don was an amazing talent who knew his stuff better than most of us. His ability to focus on the great music he played was fascinating. He totally fell in love with “The Pittsburgh Oldies”-and the people who made the music so unique. We had a lot of fun at 13Q. I got to see Don again in 1982 when he’d first moved to NYC – he was fully determined to be a success in The Big Apple. Rest In Peace, Don.