Date Of Birth: March 25, 1931
Date Of Death: November 28, 2005
Robert M. O’Friel74, of Indianapolis, passed awayMonday, November 28, 2005. He was born and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Robert showed an early interest in radio and Jazz music. He worked as an Electronic Parts Salesman for many years at Bell Industries, retiring in 1962.He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Ann Roellig and Patricia; son Robert Michael O’Friel; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, December 1, 2005 in Harry Moore Family Mortuary, Allisonville Road Chapel. Services will be at 10:00 am Friday, December 2, 2005 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 72 Sarto Drive. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.
Dr Michael A Clark says
I was shocked and saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of my good friend,Bob(“Sparky”) O’Friel.Bob was an inspiration to me and very supportive in many ways. He was, without a doubt, one of the most articulate and knowledegable authorities on the history of Bix Beiderbecke and Gennett Records.A wonderful and good friend, you will be missed.
Whenever I hear “Jazz Lives” I will think of you.
Mike Clark
Robert C Lewis says
I enjoyed listening to Bob’s “Jazz Lives” for years. I’ll mis Bob and think of him anytime I’m in a place”where there’s ragtime.”
David Brewer says
One evening back in the 1970s, my dad came in from the garage, where he’d been listening to the car radio and said “Come out here, you’ve got to hear this.” I went out and sat in the car with him and heard Bob O’Friel hosting “Jazz Lives” for the first time. Bob introduced me to a wonderful music — vintage jazz — which has been an important part of my life ever since. After many years of listening, I now have the privilege of co-hosting “Jazz Lives,” and those are going to be some mighty big shoes to fill. After I started cohosting, I could always count on a late night phone call from Bob, letting me know that he’d caught that week’s show, and offering pointers and encouragement. What a wonderful man — I will sure miss him.
Gus Gallagher says
Mike,
I am sorry for the loss to you and your family.
Lucy Park Newton says
Dear Carol, I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I truly enjoyed knowing him and listening to his wonderful radio program. He had such a lot of interesting tidbits about the great trad. jazz and ragtime we love. I appreciated his kind words about my songs so much, even more so because he knew so much. Take heart that he was so well loved and will be greatly missed.
Lucy
Robert Avey says
Will sure miss Bob at the IHRS meets. Will never forget the time that Bob and several jazz musicians had a real jam session at an IHRS meet in Indy a few years ago.
jim walsh says
Bob, because of you Jazz will always
Live in Indy! Whether I saw you
occassionally at WIAN, WFYI, or
WICR you always had that unique
hello of yours and always had a moment
or two to share some good music news.
Public Radio in Indy owes you a
deep deep appreciation. You have
just closed THIS CHAPTER and now
have opened another!!!
Gerry Nan Ruark says
We will certainly miss the voice of “Jazz Lives,” a favorite of ours for many years! We will also miss his presence at Duncan’s “Spring Fling” and other jazz venues around Indianapolis. Our condolences to his family.
Gerry and Nan (Alpha Records & Music)
Jack Reiche says
Dear Carol and Family,
I fondly remember all the great times I had playing with Bob in many different bands. He did so much for the jazz society of Indianapolis, and will be sadly missed by all. You are very much in our prayers.
God bless,
Jack and Denisea Reiche
Matt and Nita Orth says
Bob provided so much pleasure to so many. We enjoyed listening to his radio programs and remember visiting in the basement studio. It was so special to share in his music. Words seem so empty but please accept our expression of sympathy and know that we care. Matt and Nita
Linda Murnan says
Dear Carol, What sad news you gave me this evening. Bobby was much more than a cousin-he was like my big brother. So many wonderful memories I have of him from our childhood! His chocolate cake eating & Pepsi drinking were without compare–he was the king! He was always so kind to my mom & dad–we all love him very much. Take care of yourself–just as he would want you to do. Love, Linda
Janet Daly says
Carol, I’m away from home, but will be in touch later on to reminisce and offer sympathy.
Bob was respected and admired by so many of us.
With my prayers,
Janet Daly
Bill Butler says
Bob came to my house when I liquidated WIRE/WXTZ to look at some gear etc.
I liked listening to his show too —
Mike says
During my high school years at West Carrollton, Ohio, we lived next door to Bob and Carol. He had converted the back of their garage into a music and electronics studio. He had the coolest stuff! Just the absolite very best HI Fi equipment for his jazz recordings. One night he run over to our house and said come over here quick! He had a good shortwave and had picked up the very first Sputnik satellite sending a Morse message. The first ever .satellite. i was always interested in electronics and he encouraged me to enroll at the University of Cincinnati School of Engineering.
Hannah O’Friel says
Bob O’Friel was my grandfather, and I remember his funeral like it was yesterday. I was almost too young to understand what his memory would mean to me. I saw him play jazz a few times when I was younger, and I remember loving how big his saxophone was, and that his beard was red, just like my hair. I ended up attending UIndy for music, and found out about his radio program from back in the day. Both my brother and I love jazz, and I think we owe that to his influence in our dad’s life. I miss him. I wish he were here to meet his great grand-baby due this coming March. I was only 7 when he passed, but his name still carries weight in our home. I love, and miss you grandfather. Jazz lives… in your son, in your grandkids, and to the next generation. Thank you for giving us that.