The former owner of two Indiana County radio stations passed away.
Richard “Dick” Sherry, longtime owner and station manager of WDAD and WQMU, passed away this morning at the age of 82. Sherry began his radio career in the sales department with WDAD and WQMU in 1967, where he eventually became the General Manager. He bought both stations from Progressive Publishing of Clearfield in 1989, forming RMS Media Management, Incorporated.
Dick Sherry
Sherry eventually sold WDAD and WQMU to Renda Broadcasting in the spring of 2004, two years after Renda acquired WCCS and WLCY.
“The Voice of IUP” Jack Benedict worked with Sherry in his early years, and he recounted him and the late Don Berkebile working hard on the WDAD/WQMU sales floor.
Dave Rairigh, Owner and Funeral Director of the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home and Crematory, worked for Sherry as a news reporter. He said Sherry was instrumental in helping the community and starting the Teddy Bear Fund Drive.
Rairigh adds that Sherry wanted to bring more than just popular music to his listeners.
Ken Hawk, now the President and GM at Saxonburg Radio, got his start at WDAD and WQMU. He remembered a job interview with Sherry where he was asked if he was employed elsewhere.
Sherry was also active with the Indiana Fire Association for many years. Current IFA President and Indiana Borough Mayor Bill Simmons called Sherry a patient man, especially with the newcomers to the fire department.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home and Crematory in Indiana. A full, detailed obituary will be posted at a later date.
