Tom Jolls, a beloved member of
Channel 7's iconic 'Irv, Rick and Tom' broadcast team, has passed away at the
age of 89. Jolls, known for his amiable presence as the weatherman on WKBW-TV,
was a key figure alongside news anchor Irv Weinstein and sports director Rick Azar,
who together dominated the local news scene for decades. The trio left an
indelible mark on the Western New York community.
After a brief illness, Jolls
peacefully passed away at Buffalo Hospice in Cheektowaga. He was the last of
the legendary trio to retire from television and remained in Western New York
even after a short stint in Florida. His dedication to the region and his
career made him a cherished figure among viewers.
The Jolls family, in a statement
released on Wednesday, expressed their immense pride in Tom's illustrious
television career. They also highlighted his qualities as a devoted family man.
The statement acknowledged the blessing of his brief illness, which spared him
significant suffering, and emphasized that he passed away surrounded by loved
ones.
Despite his on-screen presence,
Jolls was a private and reserved individual off-camera. In honoring his wishes,
the family will hold a private, family-only service to celebrate his life. The
statement concluded with a poignant message, encouraging family, friends, and
fans to live fulfilling lives in honor of Jolls and his legacy.
In addition to his role as a
weatherman, Jolls became widely recognized for his portrayal of Commander Tom
on a beloved children's program that aired from 1965 to 1991. The show, filled
with cartoons and endearing puppets like Dustmop the dog and Matty the Mod the
alligator, captivated generations of Western New Yorkers. Jolls would often
share videos of the program with his grandchildren, who marveled at the
realization that their grandfather was a regular presence on television.
Tom Jolls leaves behind a lasting
legacy as a respected television personality and cherished member of the
Western New York community. His contributions to the local news landscape and
his ability to bring joy to countless children through his children's program
will forever be remembered. As friends, family, and fans mourn his passing,
they are comforted by the memories and the impact he had on their lives.
