SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – John O’Brien, a former radio personality on Rock 102 in western Massachusetts, has passed away after battling cancer.
John, who was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasting Hall of Fame a few years ago, was well-known as the former host on Rock 102’s morning show, “Bax and O’Brien.” He was a radio personality for 40 years.
Rock 102’s Mayflower Marathon returns to aid Springfield’s Open Pantry
He recently appeared on 22News InFocus with Patrick Berry and discussed his career in broadcasting and how it developed into a radio show host. John also talked about his cancer diagnosis. He said he was diagnosed with melanoma four times, the latest, metastatic melanoma, a stage four cancer. It spread into multiple organs, such as his lungs and liver. He was battling the cancer diagnosis for the past 14 years.
The conversation revealed that his doctor told him he had six to twelve months to live and was receiving hospice care. Following that interview, nearly a month later, John passed away at age 65. Watch the interview in the video player below to learn more about John’s history.
Political consultant Anthony Cignoli shared on social media, “Rock 102 Legend John O’Brien has passed. A great way to honor him; donate to The Mayflower Marathon. His Spirit is there today.”
The Rock 102’s 32nd annual Mayflower Marathon food drive to benefit Springfield’s Open Pantry began on Monday. It’s being held at MGM Springfield, where morning hosts Bax & Nagle will broadcast for 52 hours and will be encouraging listeners to donate non-perishable food items.
Sheriff Nick Cocchi released a statement on social media, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my dear friend, John O’Brien. John wasn’t just the voice many of us in western Massachusetts woke up to on the “Rock 102” morning show — he was a true friend, a loyal conversationalist, a man of warmth and wit, and someone whose larger-than-life radio persona masked a genuine kindness. I first met John years ago, and I’ll never forget how easy he made friends feel. Whether it was on-air banter, a community event, or just a quiet moment after show-wrap, he had a way of making you feel heard. I was honored to have recently attended the City of Bright Nights Ball with John, an evening I will forever reflect on and cherish. Over the decades he entertained this region, he also gave back — reflecting on his own hard times and health battles with an honesty and humility that was rare. Rest in peace, John. You will be missed greatly — but not forgotten. May your legacy of real-talk and real-heart live on. With gratitude and sorrow, Nick Cocchi.
Sheriff Nick Cocchi and John O’Brien (Hampden County Sheriff’s Department)
Mayor Domenic. J. Sarno states, “I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of ‘lovable curmudgeon,’ Hall of Fame Radio Broadcaster, Co-host of the Rock 102 Bax & O’Brien show – John O’Brien. My sympathy, thoughts, prayers, and encouragement go out to John’s family, friends, fans, and to co-hosts Mike Baxendale “Bax” and Steve Nagle. John fought a valiant public battle with his cancer challenges, which inspired many of us. He was a strong and proud supporter of our public safety officials, especially our police officers. If he wasn’t ‘busting your or my chops’ you’d know that something was wrong. The last time I saw my friend was at the Bright Nights Ball and even though he was struggling, he still made me laugh – as he enters the gates of heaven, I’m sure he’ll give St. Peter and earful! Rest in peace, my friend, for you’re not in pain anymore.”
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