Today we're remembering former WRTI Classical Host Jill Pasternak, who passed away on July 26 in York, PA of natural causes at age 91.
Our "Drivetime Diva" for over 18 years, Jill was also widely known for her time on the air at Philadelphia's former classical radio station, WFLN. Beloved by so many listeners, as well as her radio colleagues, she made a lasting impression on all of us. Here are some of our memories of Jill. Please share yours at the bottom of this post.
“Back in around 2007, Jill and I were on the air pitching together during a WRTI fund drive when a professional vocalist stopped by the station. At Jill’s encouragement, somehow the three of us started singing “Three Little Maids from School” from The Mikado. The pledges poured in. Who would have thought that I would ever sing an operetta trio, live on WRTI? Only Jill Pasternak could make that happen.” - Susan Lewis, WRTI Senior Producer and Arts Reporter (2005 to 2023)
"Jill was a talented harpist with a beautiful voice and on-air presence that few could match. I first met her when she applied for an announcing position at WFLN back in the '80s. I hired her for part-time weekend shifts, and then she moved to a full-time weekday slot. One time in the early '90s, when WFLN owner Woody Tanger was listening to the broadcast from Boston — by old-fashioned telephone before websites and streaming — he kept confusing Jill with a different announcer, and so she refused to change a scheduled piece of music he wanted replaced. When Temple University wanted to take over the classical format from WFLN, Jill was one of three hosts they specifically requested to be on the air on WRTI." - Dave Conant, WRTI General Manager and Classical Morning Host (1997 to 2015)
Back in the ‘50s, before coming to Philadelphia, Jill was a harpist and played in New York City in a number of Broadway shows and recordings. She had eclectic tastes and knowledge of music beyond classical. We'd often chat about some of our faves and I was kind of surprised at the giants who were not on her list — most notably, Frank Sinatra. I was disappointed. However, we still got along. - Bob Craig, WRTI Jazz Host
“Long before I joined the WRTI family, I loved listening to Jill — the warmth in her voice and the way she authentically shared her love for the music were like a balm for harried afternoons. Jill’s eclectic Crossover show was the spark for my own Saturday Morning Classical Coffeehouse. And her wonderful unscripted interviews were inspirational. There was nobody like Jill; she connected with listeners in such a special way, making everyone feel like she was their friend.” - Debra Lew Harder, WRTI Classical Host (2016 to 2021)
“At WFLN, Jill had this LP by Michel Legrand that she loved — his Theme and Variations for Two Pianos and Orchestra from The Go-Between, backed by his suite from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. For a while, she aired this album on her afternoon show every other week without fail, it seemed. Eventually, Dave Conant got so fed up with the constant airplay, he hid the record album from her. I remember coming across his hiding place later, but I never told Jill about it. - Mark Pinto, WRTI Classical Host
“I remember Jill fondly. When I did fill-in work at WFLN, I'd usually follow her afternoon shift. I remember her love of crossword puzzles, which were always handy when a long piece was on the air. The person on-air typically got things prepared for the next announcer, lining up their first few pieces, and gathering CDs, LPs, etc. We lovingly called her “Hurricane Jill” because she usually left it to the last minute, and the next announcer would be chomping at the bit to take the seat at the mic. It always worked out, but it was funny!” - Sharon Eisenhour, WFLN host in the ‘80s and ‘90s, former WRTI classical host and current voiceover artist for WRTI
"I was privileged to work closely with Jill for almost 15 years at WRTI as her technical producer for Crossover. She was more than a colleague; she was my "work spouse" and "second mother" all wrapped up in a kind, gracious, and lovely person. It wasn't unheard of for her to yell at me for coming in from the winter cold not wearing a coat.
Jill would always start her afternoon air shift by asking the audience, "How are you today?" I think that's one of the reasons the audience liked her so much. She cared, and she was genuine. And they cared about her just as much.
We'd go out to do live, remote tapings for Crossover and she'd be surrounded by people wanting to speak with her. It was almost like she was a Hollywood actress being mobbed by reporters. All the scene needed was the photographers with the flashbulbs going off. - Joe Patti, WRTI Production and Operations Manager (1997 to 2024)
Please share your memories of Jill below.