Long time listeners might remember announcer Jack Ertle with his gentle and informative presence on the air.
Jack Ertle arrived at Classical 91.5 in 1989. Before that, he hosted and produced “Clues To The Classics” on WGMC-FM. His engineer was Brian Oyer and wife Marjorie Oyer recorded the program for future listeners to enjoy. The show was named “Outstanding Program of the Year” by the Greece, N.Y. radio station.
Jack was born in Utica, New York and came to Rochester in the 1950’s. During World War Two, he trained the military in the use of Morse Code. He was a business teacher in the City of Rochester District at Charlotte and Marshall High Schools. In his spare time, he ushered for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, attended concerts regularly, taught classes at the adult learning center Oasis. He also worked with students on a debate team and organized classes at West Irondequoit High School in the history of classical music.
I met Jack Ertle in 1995 when I joined WXXI-TV and Radio. He was very kind and was interested in what was happening in your life and that of his fellow announcers. He also picked up a shift of classical music on WRUR-FM’s “Weekend of Classical Music”.
Jack enjoyed bowling, football and baseball. He was a fan of the Rochester Red Wings and the Buffalo Bills. He would often check out the score of the Bills while hosting his Sunday afternoon program. Jack’s favorite composer was Mahler. He had a Mahler 7 on his license plate on his automobile.
Jack had a large collection of classical CD’s and LP’s that were recently donated to WXXI thanks to Brian and Marjorie Oyer. WXXI Music Director, Mona Seghatoleslami and Classical 91.5 host John Andres graciously accepted the collection at the Oyer residence.
Jack Ertle was a co-worker and a friend. I was fortunate to know him through the years. His legacy lives on at WXXI-FM through the ways in which he shared his love of music and with his collection of classical music.
