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Bernard McGuirk dies at 64: WABC radio host’s prostate cancer was worsened by pneumonia and appendicitis

Bernard McGuirk had been on the air in New York City since 1986 and had moved to WABC with Don Imus, the late radio icon

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Legendary NYC radio host Bernard McGuirk died on Wednesday, October 5, at 64 following a battle with prostate cancer, as announced by his station. McGuirk hosted WABC’s 'Bernie & Sid in the Morning' with co-host Sid Rosenberg and was a longtime executive producer and personality of the program 'Imus in the Morning'. He had been on the air in New York City since 1986 and had moved to WABC with Don Imus, the late radio icon. 

Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez announced McGurk’s death on Thursday morning with a touching statement. "It is with profound sadness that I must share this news with you. Bernard McGuirk, husband, father and our friend passed away yesterday, Oct. 5, in the company of his family. Bernie courageously battled cancer for all to see and hear, in a manner that was inspiring to all of us," Lopez said, according to Fox News. According to the New York Post, his friends stated that McGuirk had been off the air in recent months as his cancer was aggravated by appendicitis and pneumonia. 

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"Bernie loved radio and shared his life with the listeners of New York City since 1986 when he joined the many voices on New York City’s airwaves. He entertained millions across the country working with ‘Imus in the Morning,’ making you laugh one moment and making you think the next," Lopez continued. "In 2007, Bernie came with Imus to broadcast here at WABC. His personality from day one dramatically improved the camaraderie and morale of the entire radio station; his comedy — impressive, his professionalism — immeasurable and his character — without peer."

According to Lopez, McGuirk's talent helped 'Bernie & Sid in the Morning' become the station's flagship morning program in 2018 and New York City's No 1 news talk morning show in 2022. "He will be missed by all that knew him and listened to him, a true gentleman, he is the fabric of the morning show. He is the morning show and was the backbone of this entire radio station," Lopez said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the McGuirk family." WABC held a moment of silence for McGuirk, who Lopez called "our colleague, our friend and one of the most gifted radio personalities of all time."

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani paid tribute to McGuirk by calling him a "renaissance man and a wonderful person." He tweeted, "Radio legend #BERNARDMcGURK succumbed to prostate cancer after a heroic battle. Bernie was brilliant, a Renaissance man and a wonderful person. Bernie, with his friend the great Sid Rosenberg, reigned over morning radio with the number one show on." Fox News host Mark Levin wrote, "I just learned that Bernie McGuirk passed away.  Bernie was the best.  A great patriot and friend.  He will be badly missed.  More later today on my radio show.  RIP, brother." "You believed in me when almost no one else did. You stayed loyal and loved me when it would have been easy to run I am beyond devastated. But I do have beautiful memories that provide me some solace as well as knowing you are no longer in pain. I will miss you & always love you," Rosenberg tweeted shortly after the news was announced. 

McGuirk is survived by his wife, Carol, and children Melanie and Brendan.