WOWO Radio and Fort Wayne Komets broadcasting legend Bob Chase died on Thursday, Nov., 24, at the age of 90.
For more than 60 years, Bob was the voice of the Komets, the spokesperson for Penny Pitch and a cornerstone to WOWO Radio heritage and history.
Bob was born with the name Robert Donald Wallenstein in Neqaunne, Mich. He later adopted his wife’s maiden name for his broadcasting career because the program manager thought Wallenstein was too long.
When he turned 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he worked as a cryptographer during World War II. In 1950, Bob married his wife of 66 years, Muriel, affectionately known as “Murph.”.
Chase moved to Fort Wayne to accept a job at WOWO in 1953, and would continue employment until his retirement as Sports Director in 2009.
The Komets said in a statement Chase spent 63 seasons through last season calling games rink-side. General manager David Franke called Chase “a legend in every sense of the word.”
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Murph, one daughter and three sons.
Read more about the life and times of Bob Chase from WOWO Radio and the Fort Wayne Komets.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
WOWO Radio and 95.3 MNC are part of the Federated Media family of radio stations
