SYRACUSE -- Former WAER-FM sportcaster and WOLF 1490 news reporter John "Jack" Hessmiller, Jr., has died. An obituary published today reports the former broadcaster passed in May at the age of 58, following an illness. A memorial service is planned for August 3.
The obituary on syracuse.com says Hessmiller grew up in Syracuse and earned broadcasting degrees from Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University. He worked as a sportscaster for WAER-FM from 1976-77, and served as editor of the "Syracuse Chiefs Baseball News" from 1979 to 1983. During that time, from 1981-82, he also worked as a street reporter for WOLF 1490 AM.
According to the obituary, Hessmiller had a passion for sports, particularly the Syracuse Chiefs and the Syracuse Orange. There were no public arrangements at the time of Hessmiller's death, but a memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 3 at 1pm, at St. John the Baptist / Holy Trinity Church, located at 406 Court Street in Syracuse.