Remembering Larry O’Brien
• Legendary Pittsburgh radio personality Larry O’Brien passed away on April 3, 2024, on Hilton Head Island, SC at the age of 81. O’Brien was born in Toronto on September 15, 1942, but spent most of his adult life in Pittsburgh, where he famously co-hosted the popular O’Brien & Garry morning radio show with the late John Garry on 1250/WTAE, 96.1 WHTX-FM and WMXP-FM for more than 20 years. Their top-rated show featured a cast of running characters such as “Mr. Science,” “Lieutenant Macho” and supporting on-air staff including “Intrepid Scout” (Winifred “Winnie” Bricker), “Sky Puppy” (Neal Spence) and “Captain Showbiz” (Ted Atkins).
That’s O’Brien (left) and Garry (right) during their WTAE heyday.
[Ed. note: O’Brien’s former longtime partner John Garry (Lindemulder), the father of veteran programmer/consultant Scott Lindy, died Sept. 16, 2023, in Hiram, GA at the age of 91].
O’Brien was first heard on the radio in 1962 on WTOD/Toledo, OH — where he first met John Garry. Early fans in Toledo will remember O’Brien’s opening theme song, “Brontosaurus Stomp” by The Piltdown Men. O’Brien’s unique style and exceptional talent led to stints at WYSL/Buffalo, NY, KSOL/San Francisco, and WGH/Norfolk, VA, where he became a nationally known radio personality, leading to a gig on the legendary WCFL/Chicago.
In 1972 O’Brien was hired to host mornings at WTAE-AM/Pittsburgh, where he would soon be reunited with John Garry. Although they initially worked different shifts at WTAE, the duo was able to convince management to let them have a crack at their own morning show in 1975. The O’Brien & Garry show quickly became a staple of Pittsburgh morning radio on WTAE before shifting to sister WHTX-FM from 1983 to 1992. The show then moved to WMXP-FM before returning to WTAE in 1994.
O’Brien is survived by his wife, Winkie Miller O’Brien. Funeral services were private. Contributions may be made in Larry’s name to the charity of your choice. [Special thanks to Art Vuolo]
