Edward Joseph Oberle

Edward Joseph Oberle, born June 28, 1912, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2013, after a short illness. Ed was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. In 1946 Ed moved to Jacksonville, a city he came to love and considered home. Ed Bell , as he was known, was a friendly voice on Jacksonville s airwaves for over 45 years. He owned and operated radio station WIVY from 1950 to 1969, and then became Vice President and General Manager of WKTZ, where he stayed until his retirement in 1997. Ed became a well known radio personality, first with his Battle of the Crooners show on WIVY, and then later with his daily commentaries which he wrote and recorded while at WKTZ. He was best known for ending each one with That s our view, we welcome yours . Ed was active in a host of civic and community projects and he became an industry leader in the broadcasting business. Throughout his career, he received scores of local and national awards. He was most proud of the two gold medal awards he received from the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge for promoting the Free Enterprise System and the American way of life. He also received numerous commendations for service to the community from local dignitaries such as Tillie Fowler, Charles E. Bennett and Jake Godbold, among others. Ed was an avid golfer and a founding member of San Jose Country Club. He also loved boating and most weekends could be found cruising with his family and friends on the St. Johns River. Ed loved to fish, and in 1981 he co-founded the Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, which is still one of the most popular events hosted in the city today. Ed was predeceased by his loving wife, Connie, to whom he was married 44 years. He is survived by his current wife of 19 years, Carolyn, and four children: Edward J. II (Sally), Joyce Carey, Melinda (Keith) Brown and Barry, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. The family will greet friends for visitation on Tuesday, April 30 from 6 8 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. The funeral will be at 1 pm on Wednesday, May 1 in the chapel at the funeral home. Fr. Cody will officiate. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com.