Longtime Philadelphia and syndicated personality Sid Mark passed away on Monday, April 18 at the age of 88.
Mark spent the past 22 years at Audacy Conservative Talk 1210 WPHT Philadelphia hosting “Sunday with Sinatra” from 11am to 1pm and also hosted the syndicated “Sounds of Sinatra” for the past 43 years. Mark’s radio career spanned 65 years beginning in 1956 at 1340 WHAT and 96.5 WHAT-FM Philadelphia. He would remain at 96.5 in Philadelphia until 2000 missing only one show in 1999 when he underwent open heart surgery. He has also hosted Frank Sinatra oriented shows for other stations including 610 KFRC San Francisco and 97.1 WYNY New York.
Audacy Philadelphia SVP/Market Manager David Yadgaroff shared in a staff memo:
We lost a man who speaks for a living, whose audience has been enraptured by every word — eloquent and articulate. Sid’s radio career spanned 65 years, the last 22 at Talk Radio 1210 WPHT and 43 years of national syndication. He presented the music of Frank Sinatra from the standpoint of a friend as well as a fan. As the host of the longest running, single artist, syndicated radio program in America, Sid was the leading authority on Frank Sinatra and his entertainment legacy. His personal relationship with Sinatra began in the mid 1960’s and allowed Sid to offer more than just the remarkable music but insights into Sinatra’s career with personal anecdotes and stories behind the timeless music.
I first met Sid as I was trying to break into our business and, as expected, he was the consument mentor and gentleman offering sage advice. Decades later, I was honored and thrilled when we had the chance to work together at WPHT. I would visit him on the weekend at the studio and watch him deliver his legendary show while enjoying the camaraderie and stories. We developed a true friendship and for that I am eternally grateful. I know I speak for everyone when I say this is a profound loss for all of us and Sinatra fans around the world. May his memory be a blessing.
The family asks that donations in Sid’s memory be made to Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org
Sidney Mark Fliegelman is survived by his wife Judy and his children Andy, Eric (and wife Suzi), Brian, Stacey and grandson Jason.
