Updated 9/13 with arrangements - SYRACUSE -- Longtime Syracuse radio and TV journalist Jerry Barsha has passed away at the age of 83. His broadcasting career spanned more than three decades, most of it at 1030 James Street, dating back to the days when channel 3 was WSYR-TV and it shared the building with WSYR 570.
Channel 3, known these days as WSTM-TV, announced Barsha's passing yesterday. Their story notes the Brooklyn native first came to the area to attend Syracuse University, and worked part-time at WAGE (the original call letters of today's WHEN).
Nine years following his graduation, Barsha returned to Syracuse for a 32-year run that ended with his retirement in 1989. In addition to his work at WSTM radio and TV, Barsha helped shape the minds of younger broadcasters, serving as an instructor at Onondaga Community College for 35 years.
Featured on the Syracuse Press Club's Wall of Distinction, Barsha is survived by his wife of 51 years, four children and several grandchildren.
According to Barsha's obituary published in the Syracuse Post-Standard, funeral services will be held at the Sisskind Funeral Chapel at 3175 East Genesee Street in Syracuse (Google Map) on Tuesday morning at 11am. Friends and family are invited to gather and pay their respects starting at 10am.