With heavy hearts, we are sharing with listeners that longtime broadcaster Fred Velardi, host of Tuesday Morning Classics, passed away on January 30th. Fred was a warm and kind person and that personality was reflected in every one of his programs since he joined us in 2009. Any condolences you care to send can be emailed to info@wmnr.org. Your remembrances will be shared with his family and our broadcasters and staff.
“Good morning, Just a note of appreciation for both this morning’s beautiful program and the wonderful, heartwarming comments from my father’s listeners, colleagues, and friends. It means the world to our family that Fred has had an impact on so many. He certainly had—and always will have—an impact on our family. Thank you.” —Chris Velardi
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Fred Velardi took out his first membership for the station in his daughter's name when she was only four months old. She is now a Ph.D!
Fred’s first introduction to classical music was at the age of 10 when he saw the Disney film, Fantasia. He knew he was hooked on classical music when the New Haven Symphony Orchestra would visit his junior high school for concerts. He was particularly struck by Aaron Copland’s El Salon Mexico. A former art teacher and advertising director, Fred was an accomplished artist who enjoyed abstract painting while listening to WMNR. He was proud to be a part of the classical music programs broadcast over WMNR and played a significant role in the lives of our listeners.
By Fred Velardi, August 2022
“This is hard to put into words, but below is the ‘method’ I use to put together my programs.
Background: While teaching at Yale University, in 1963 Josef Albers wrote The Interaction of Color, a handbook and teaching aid for artists, instructors, and students. The book presents Albers’s singular explanation of his complex color theory principles.
The basic concept is relatively simple: color can only be seen in relation to other colors, and is affected by those colors, and by its surroundings (light and dark).
The method was based on the idea that only by observing color in the push and pull context, (not theory, but practical application) can one begin to understand the nature of color.
What I try to do in selecting pieces for my program, is to apply this basic theory to music. What works best following or preceding the color and brightest of a work from Joaquín Rodrigo and placing it next to, for example, the Rembrandt hues of someone like Johannes Brahms is what makes this work – (it’s not just fast/slow or loud/soft).
Each classical composer has a ‘face’ or color that is consistent throughout their work, and by comparing or contrasting those colors it allows me to put together a program where the selections truly ‘interact’ with each other.”
I am so sorry to hear about Fred Velardi. He did change us for good. He will be sorely missed. — Susan
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. Like so many of the listeners, I'm sure, I always looked forward to his show on Tuesday mornings. We seemed to have a similar musical taste and I was always pleasantly surprised when he played something that I thoroughly enjoyed. He introduced me to so many great songs and artists. One in particular is Andre Previn. I love his renditions of Gershwin, which Fred introduced me to. I will miss him much as I am sure you at the studio will and especially his family. My condolences to all of you. Maybe once in a while you could play some of his taped broadcasts? Please!?? — John
Fred Velardi was the first Broadcaster that I met at WMNR when I joined the station in 2018. We spent many Tuesday mornings together chatting about our families, music and world events. We extended our working relationship to a more social one that included his family and my girlfriend Jin. We enjoyed a few dinners together and he hosted us at his home for dessert and a glimpse of his artwork. Fred left behind a beautiful legacy and we will miss his friendship, humor and kindness. Rest peacefully Fred. —Bob Anderson, WMNR Staff
Although I did not know Fred personally, he became a dear friend to me after listening to his program for several years. His warmth and genuineness was a beacon of light. I know that I am not alone in sharing that he will be greatly missed. — Helen
Good morning....I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Fred Velardi. I thoroughly enjoyed his Tuesday morning program, especially the way he ended it.. wishing us safety. His words always brought me comfort as did his cheerful voice and delivery. My condolences to all his colleagues at the station...and his family. Your heavy hearts are not alone. I would like to renew my membership in his honor. Blessing, love and light. — Bettina
I was so very sad to learn of Fred Velardi’s death. Loved his Tuesday morning radio show especially the segment “Somewhere on Broadway.” I will miss him. I had several chats on the phone with him and he was always so pleasant. A huge loss to me and WMNR. — Betsy
David and I always look forward to Fred's Tuesday morning program and were surprised and saddened today to learn that he had passed away. Though other than perhaps being in the same place at a WMNR gathering, we did not know him personally, though he seems like a good friend. The outpouring of comments today show the strength of the WMNR community and his role in nurturing it together with the love of music in many forms. We will miss his special programming which included a variety of music with Broadway, classical and other types. We send our sincerest sympathy to his family, friends, and , WMNR colleagues. Peace and Blessings, — Jinny and David
I was expecting to hear Fred’s voice when I tuned into your station this morning. He had such a way of brightening up your day. Every one of his selections was music to my ears. I so wish I had met him in person. The entire staff at WMNR does a terrific job of entertaining the listening audience, but Fred was my favorite. — Steve
This morning after having my coffee and morning read, I said "Oh good, it's Tuesday and Fred Velardi's on." The radio goes on and I hear Kurt Anderson saying something about Fred. So, I decided to listen closer, and it turns out I'm listening to a Memorial Program. All I can think is "Oh God no, not another one." I'm really going to miss the guy, he was one of my faves. I hope he died peacefully while listening to the radio. Be cool Fred, you were one of the best. — Bruce
When I first joined WMNR, I had the good fortune to speak to Mr. Velardi and was encouraged to recount how I found my love of classical music. My father would play and expound upon it as I drove him to the railroad station. Mr. Velardi was so kind and it was a joy to speak with him. I have enjoyed many of his programs and will miss him. My sympathy to you, his colleagues, and his family. — Dinah
So saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. I listen to WMNR every morning on my commute to work. The commute between Sandy Hook and Norwalk can be challenging, and Fred made my travels on Tuesday morning so pleasant. Not only did he have a wonderful demeanor as a Broadcaster, but his musical selections and his knowledge of his play list was superb! We will all miss him deeply, God Speed Fred. — Barbara
I would like to add my condolences to all the others you've received on this sad occasion. I always looked forward to hearing Fred's ever-cheerful voice on Tuesdays. I shall miss him sorely, as will we all. My condolences to his family and to all of you, his friends and colleagues, as well. — John
Good morning, I only met Fred once, but sometimes once is enough to always remember a kind soul. What a beautiful tribute of music for someone who shared the mission of the radio network. May the peace and sharing of the music he loved be a source of support and comfort to his beloved family. I extend my deep sympathies and condolences to them on the untimely loss of a passionate and dedicated individual. May his love and all they’ve shared be with them always. With prayers and blessings. — Nadine
I discovered this wonderful station 9 or 10 years ago , the fantastic morning programs of Gary Gerard, Parker Prout, Gary Fountain and of course the fantastic Fred Velardi, I enjoyed his programs, his humor and his company for years. I am very saddened by his passing, God bless you Fred, and your family. — Hernan
Heaven is enjoying now what we have enjoyed from Fred for many years which we will now miss, his love and knowledge of classical music and stories he told were memorable and therefore his Life shall always be that way too!! — Celeste
Tuesday mornings will never be the same for me. I was shocked to learn of Fred’s passing when his voice did not come on the radio this morning. Not only was it warming and melodious, but the knowledge he brought to his broadcasts added so much to the music. Fred was a neighbor of mine. I once told him that my son is a classical musician and producer, and Fred invited him on his show. Fred was a very special person. — Ronald
I accompanied Peter Shimkin many times on Tuesday mornings, when he would go to WMNR for his morning session. We always went much earlier, and there I met Fred and many times we had many conversations, many about music but often about various topics. He had a vibrant personality as we discussed music, and his future programs. I can only repeat what it has been said about his positive attitude and joie de vivre, and I will remember him with a smile. May he rest in peace. — Octavio Choi, WMNR opera host
I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of Fred Velardi, a very prominent and recognizable personality on WMNR. As a regular listener, I appreciated shows such as his, which featured a variety of music, as well as informative commentary. He will be very much missed. Rest in peace, Fred. — Steve
So very sorry to hear of Fred's passing. His program was a staple for me on Tuesday mornings, and I was pleased to meet him on a visit to the studio a few years ago. He smiled his wry grin when I told him I once quoted him in one of my sermons (I’m the minister at the United Church of Chester, CT); introducing a piece of music, I mentioned him by way of saying, "We begin this hour somewhere in New York City (I was using a song from 'Rent')," as he did weekly at his 11 o'clock hour. I will miss his convivial and conversational style. — Alan
I’m a volunteer at WMNR during the fund drives and had the pleasure of working with Fred. He will be sorely missed by all of us at the station. — Elizabeth
Warmth and kindness came through in every broadcast by Fred Velardi. As a regular morning listener, I am sure he will be greatly missed by his audience, and I can only imagine the enormity of the loss that his family and friends are feeling. Fred Velardi’s lack of pretention belied his vast knowledge of classical, popular, and Broadway music. — Susan
I never met him but his passing is heartbreaking. He was my favorite WMNR broadcaster. His warmth and friendliness were so clear over the radio waves. I felt on Tuesday mornings that he was like a member of the family. — Ben
I was shocked and sadden to hear of Fred's passing . I 've been happily starting my day with him every Tuesday morning for 15 years. He was my favorite broadcaster. I loved every hearing every story he told and I will truly miss him . He will be missed....'Let's start the hour somewhere on Broadway.” Rest in Peace Fred. — Christopher
I’m sorry to hear this. I listened most mornings to his program. His kind voice is still but the feelings still echo in our hearts. Condolences to family and friends. — Sue Ellen
I was so very sad to learn of Fred Velardi’s death. Loved his Tuesday morning radio show especially the segment Somewhere on Broadway. I will miss him. I had several chats on the phone with him and he was always so pleasant. A huge loss to me and WMNR. — Betsy
When I interviewed for a position at WMNR in the fall of 2009, Fred was playing the song "Nice Work If You Can Get It" by George Gershwin as I drove to the station. I worked the title into a post-interview thank you note and... I got it. Years later my husband met Fred at a WMNR function. He learned that Fred had been the editor of the Execunet newsletter that posted executive job openings, one of which led to my husband taking a job in Danbury back in 2000. So, Fred had a hand in first bringing our family to Connecticut and then helping me get a job at WMNR. I'm grateful for his presence then and in the subsequent years when I came to know him as friendly and conscientious with an artistic soul. — Cindy Carlson, WMNR staff
We are so sad to hear of Fred’s passing! What a wonderful person! We always enjoyed talking to him. We would see Fred walking on the trails around Great Hollow Lake. He always made time to say hi and talk. Always interesting conversation. Such a sweet and down to earth person. Salt of the earth! We will certainly miss hearing him broadcast on WMNR. Tuesday mornings were special listening to Fred’s show. Thank you for sharing him with us. — Marisa and Norman
Fred was the first one who fell in love with my music at WMNR. Not only did he play my classical CDs many times, but he always added charming personal comments. I never met him, but we were pals. With sincere condolences — Madeleine