We remember Chris Tobin

Brothers and Sisters,

It is with deep regret that I inform you our Brother Chris Tobin has passed away from a heart attack over the weekend.

A native New Yorker, Chris had a passion for radio early on. This passion led him to work at the ABC Radio Network as a Data Systems Manager, crossing over to CBS Radio (1010 WINS) and Westwood One. He became an IBEW 1212 member in 2003 working as an Engineer for WNEW Radio. WNEW changed its format twice in 2003. First promoting the station as Blink 102.7 FM and then Mix 102.7 FM later that year. Chris would go on to serve 8 years as a member, eventually leaving the Union in 2011. 

One of Chris’s last stops was at WBGO (a public radio station in Newark, New Jersey). There he served as Chief Engineer in March of 2015. “A consummate professional who took pride in his work,” recalls longtime host Rhonda Hamilton. “I never knew him to say an unkind word or complain about the many challenges he faced in keeping the station running as smoothly as possible.” Even during the pandemic, Chris helped keep the station running with his ingenuity and experience. “He was a wonderful person to work with – cheerful, positive, energetic and always generous with his time,” says Bob Ottenhoff, Interim President & CEO of WBGO. 

Chris was never one to say “no” to anything.  The bigger the challenge the more Chris loved the project.  However, he was never too busy to give countless hours of time to mentor young and upcoming radio broadcasters and engineers. It is impossible to know how many lives Chris touched in so many ways. His reach wrapped around the globe through his TWiRT (This Week in Radio Tech) podcasts. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Chris was 59 years old.

Chris Tobin is survived by his wife Lisa, his brother, and mother. At this time, we have no information on services being held, but we will share that information with you if it is made available. God Bless Chris and his family during this difficult time.

Fraternally,

Ralph Avigliano
Business Manager
Local 1212, IBEW
225 West 34th Street, Suite 1120
New York, NY 10122
Office: 212-354-6770
Cell: 917-991-0011