ROSS GENTILE DEAD AT 60
February 23, 2013 11:56 am | Author: jberger
Musician, record promoter, disc jockey and master of everything jazz, Glen Carbon-based Ross Gentile, died last night at the Anderson Hospital in Metro East. For years, Gentile helmed shows on WSIE and other radio stations. He sustained lasting friendships over the years with the likes of Tony Bennett, Marilyn May and Ella Fitzgerald. For several years, he underwent dialysis and recently he was given hope for a kidney transplant. He died of a massive heart attack, according to family members.
Jerry, I am sad at your announcement of Ross’s death. I always enjoyed seeing him and his listening to passion for his music. He always had a tale or two about you, his dearest friend and cpanion.
Thank you for introducing him to me.
Sincerely,
Joe Dennehy
And I, too, thank you too for introducing me to Ross. I last saw him New Year’s Eve and I could tell he was suffering. RIP Ross.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ross. I know what a dear friend he was to you. It was always good to see him out and about town. He always had a smile and was upbeat. He was way too young to go. My deepest sympathy to all of his friends and family.
I attended college with Ross. Radio was his life. I rarely saw him back in those days without a tape recorder slung over his shoulder and the ABC/WIBV logo on it. RIP.
Oh Jerry, I am so sorry to hear about Ross Gentile. You and Richard Miller introduced me to Ross years ago. Mad Maynard and I just recently talked with Ross at great length at the “Rock Radio Reunion” at Ameristar on 1/20. I am happy that we got the chance to see him and talk to him that night. Maynard and I send heartfelt sympathy.
If you want to see the event Jackie mentioned, you can see it here
http://stlmediastuff.blogspot.com/2013/02/rock-types-onstage.html
Ross is at 22:02. You will also enjoy seeing some of the faces of the voices from the past.
WILL MISS HIS SENSE OF HUMOR AND JOY FOR LIVING
Had the pleasure of providing Ross with some music of Andy Williams and Perry Como which he played on his Touch of Velvet KZQZ show (1 pm Saturdays).
He gave thanks by name to me on air several times as he needed more Williams material. He also played Softly as I Leave You for my mother on her passing. I am so crushed to hear the news, he was quite a guy.