John Mack Flanagan Signs Off
• Radio pros across the country are mourning the passing of Bay Area radio icon John Mack Flanagan, who died on Saturday, March 31, after bravely battling a series of health issues for the past few years. He was 72 years old. Accurately described by the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame as “one of the greatest voices in broadcasting,” Flanagan is probably best known and loved for his successful run at the equally legendary KFRC/San Francisco.
After KFRC, Flanagan went on to work elsewhere in the Bay Area at KRQR, KWSS, KIOI, KSFO/KYA-FM, the second-generation KFRC-FM and 98.1 K-Big. Flanagan was inducted into the National Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2016 and entered the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2017.
Flanagan’s daughter Kelly broke the sad news of her father’s passing on his Facebook page, saying, in part, “I wanted to let all of his friends and former Radio colleagues know that he crossed over peacefully yesterday. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all of the concern and prayers you’ve shown for him over this last year, it means so much to me. I know many of you reached out to him when you found out he was sick through phone calls and visits that I know he enjoyed very much. My Mom and I are grieving. We ask that you give us these next few days to make arrangements before contacting us. We will let you know when a memorial service will be held. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this really difficult time.”
In addition to his daughter Kelly and granddaughter Dylan, Flanagan leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Joann, to whom he was married for over fifty years. Read more about Flanagan’s legendary career and enjoy some vintage airchecks posted on the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame website.
