NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 28, 2022) — William O’Shaughnessy died at his home today in Litchfield, Connecticut. He was 84.
Visiting Hours Tuesday May 31 4-7pm.
Mass Wednesday June 1 11:30am St Anthony of Padua Church
49 South St, Litchfield, CT 06759
Interment to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Litchfield. CT
William O’Shaughnessy operated two of the last independent stations in the New York area: WVOX and WVIP. He was president of the New York State Broadcasters and chairman of Public Affairs for the National Association of Broadcasters. He served as Editorial Director of WVOX.
“Bill was a true legend and would open his microphones to those who wanted to speak, especially on issues important to our communities,” said former Westchester County Executive and current New York State Gubernatorial Candidate Rob Astorino. “His wit, humor and friendship will be missed.”
“Mr O is a legend and an icon,” said attorney Denise Ward, a long time WVOX radio show host. “The impact of his life’s work to protect free speech will live on.”
“Mr. O was such an outsized personality and had a look and hairstyle that meant you’d never lose him in a crowd,” said New York Post reporter Mark Lungariello who co-hosted a show with Phil Reisman on WVOX from 2013 to 2019. “It’s difficult to imagine what the Westchester County media landscape will be like – and sound like – without him.”
“Mr O represented the voices of freedom through WVOX,” said Fuller Center Director Jim Killoran, a longtime WVOX radio show host. “His eloquence cold make a cleaning commercial sound like a Shakespearean sonnet.”
O’Shaughnessy receives many awards including the Westchester County Distinguished Service Medal for Public Service, Indiana University Award for “Outstanding Editorials in the United States” and Communications Medals, Archdiocese of New York.
The O’Shaughnessy Family and his WVOX & WVIP colleagues invite you to join us in celebrating Bill’s long, “sweet,” generous, and highly impactful life.