CHICAGO (AP) - Veteran Chicago broadcaster Norman Pellegrini, who served as program director at fine arts station WFMT-FM 98.7 for more than 43 years has died at age 79.
WFMT's general manager Steve Robinson said Pellegrini died Thursday morning.
The Chicago-born Pellegrini graduated from Columbia College before joining WFMT in 1951. He served as program director from 1953 until 1996 and for decades offered commentary on live performances of Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Although classical music, particularly opera, was Pellegrini's passion, he also lent his wry presence for many years as one of the rotating hosts of the station's long running weekly folk music, comedy and satire shows.
Pellegrini is survived by his longtime partner Donald Knight.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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