Bob Chase, American broadcaster, Died at 90

  Media

Bob Chase (born Robert Donald Wallenstein) was born on January 22, 1926, in Negaunee, Michigan and died on November 24, 2016.

He was an American radio broadcaster.

He was known for his 63-year tenure calling play-by-play for the Fort Wayne Komets from 1953 to 2016.

Chase played hockey as a child and attended Graveraet High School.

When he was 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served as a cryptographer during World War II.

He attended Northern Michigan University, where he graduated in 1953.

During 1949, while attending Northern Michigan, Chase began his broadcasting career at WDMJ in Marquette.

After his graduation, he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he was hired as a staff announcer at WOWO.

Chase served a variety of roles at WOWO, including program director, DJ, and sports director, and program host.

Bob retired from full time duties at WOWO on May 22, 2009.

He was best known for his association with the minor-league Fort Wayne Komets. He began his tenure with the Komets in 1953 as the team’s co-announcer, and took over full-time duties in 1954.

He married his wife, Muriel, on April 6, 1950.

But, his boss at WOWO thought the name “Wallenstein” to be too lengthy for the airwaves, he took his wife’s maiden name for use on the air.

Chase died of congestive heart failure.

He was survived by his wife, four children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Bob Chase passed away at 90 years old.