CNYRadio.com is saddened to report the sudden death of WFIZ (Z95.5) program director and morning co-host Tommy Frank. GM Frank Lischak tells us Frank died early this morning of an apparent heart attack.
According to reports on AllAccess.com, Frank was just 42 years old, and suffered from heart problems and diabetes.
WFIZ became Ithaca's first CHR station in more than 15 years when it launched in September, with 10,000 commercial-free songs in a row. The jock lineup, including Frank as morning drive co-host, just launched yesterday morning.
Please see the first comment below for details about a scholarship fund being established in Tommy's name. A private memorial for family members is being planned in Tommy's hometown of Bangor, Maine.
Tommy Frank--real name Thomas J. Foley (42) passed away early this morning. Our family wants to thank all those that have already heard the news and have sent their well wishes to us. . Tom had been dealing with heart issues and diabetes for some time now. Tom loved his life in broacasting. The family has set up a scholarship memorial fund in the name of Tommy Frank at NESCOM (New England School of Communications) - 1 College Circle, Bangor, Maine 04401 so that others can pursue their dreams of working in Radio. I don't think that many will be able to match the amount of passion that he had for his work. He is survived by his sons-Sean, Justin, and Nathan, mother and father, his 2 sisters, nieces, and nephews. A private memorial service will be held for family members.
Due to the amount of people that have contacted the family to let us know how much Tommy meant to them, the memorial service will be open to everyone that wants to attend to say goodby and pay respects
For anyone who may be visiting this post directly, and may not see the newer post... WFIZ General Manager Frank Lischak says the memorial will be held this Friday, November 7, at 11:00am. It will be in the chapel at the Brookings and Smith Funeral Home at 133 Center Street in Bangor, Maine (Google Map).