Remembering Jack Ellery
• The staff and management of Beasley News-Talk 1450 WCTC/New Brunswick, NJ are mourning the passing of a well-known and beloved Central Jersey radio broadcast legend — Jack Ellery, known to many as “The Voice Of Central New Jersey,” passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from complications of COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease. He was 86 years old.
Ellery spent 44 of his 63-year broadcasting career with WCTC over three tours of duty, starting in 1963 as a 29-year-old disc jockey spinning records. An excerpt of Ellery’s obituary, written in part by former WCTC News/Program Director Bruce Johnson describes Ellery being on the air on November 22, 1963 when he was handed a news bulletin that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. “He immediately took to the street to talk to people about their reactions to the sudden and world-shattering news,” Johnson said. “From that point, he moved to the morning show and quickly became the highly-rated ‘Voice of Central Jersey,’ turning his program into a forum for discussion on the latest news. Ellery provided insight, wit and humor and became a pioneer of talk radio.”
Ellery left WCTC twice over 44 years — to do talk radio in Philadelphia and a syndicated talk show in Tampa, FL, and also worked part-time on the NBC Radio Network’s renowned Monitor program. Dan Finn, SVP/Regional Market Manager of Beasley Media New Jersey recalled his first encounter with Ellery, as he stated, “Jack was a real pro. His reputation preceded him. In July 2001 I was tasked with overseeing WCTC. Jack was no longer there and I never met him. Two months later, on 9/11 when we were attacked, Jack called me and introduced himself. He said, ‘Dan I need a microphone. I have a lot to say.’ That led to him returning to WCTC.”
Ellery was inducted into the New Jersey Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame in June 2012 and is also the recipient of the NJBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Jack Ellery is survived by his wife Shelby and their daughter, Amy Strobel. More information on Jack Ellery’s life and career can be found at mycentraljersey.com.
