Harry Hurley Late Breaking News

HarryHurley.com

WE MOURN THE PASSING

OF LEGENDARY TALK RADIO CALLER

"RICH" ALTOMARE

By HARRY HURLEY

Editor & Publisher

HarryHurley.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009

6:10 a.m.

Rich was known for many years as "Rich from Brigantine." Then came his move to Northfield and he became known as "Rich from Everywhere."

While attending The Boardwalk Journal Launch event at the Atlantic City Country Club, I received telephone calls within minutes from Andrea and Tony, advising me that Rich had passed away yesterday.

The sadness in their voices was beyond description.

Rich and I go back a long, long way. In fact, Rich was one of the most loyal and vocal supporters that I had early in my broadcasting career.

For years, Rich would be my first caller on both radio and television.

Anyone knows how vital that is. because it inspires others to call-in. It is invaluable to a broadcaster.

Rich was never afraid to speak his mind. He always told like he saw it, no matter what others would think. he wasn't afraid to ruffle the feathers of any elected official.

Rich was a fiercely loyal individual. If you attacked a friend of his ... He would take it as a personal attack of himself and respond with relentless energy.

To know Rich ... to truly know Rich was to fully understand that you had a loyal and trusted friend.

He didn't make or break friendships easily.

Rich's strong voice will be sorely missed and the local talk radio scene will never be the same without him.

he kept a talk show host on his/her toes ... Because he wouldn't let you get away with much.

To the Rich Altomare Family ... Please accept my deepest condolences on your supreme loss.

No doubt, Rich will be caller # 1,as he begins serving his new team today.