Michael Bernz Cipriani was one of the most familiar names and voices in eastern Connecticut. He passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, June 18, 2009. At Red Wolf Broadcasting, we extend our condolences to the Cipriani family. Michael started his long radio career at WSUB/Groton in the seventies. His broadcasting resume included WDRC in Hartford and most recently WWLI Lite Rock 105 in Providence, but "Bernzee" really made his mark gracing the morning airwaves for decades in New London County at WICH and WCTY in Norwich. In the late nineties, Michael was hired by John Fuller at Red Wolf Broadcasting to host the morning show here at Soft Rock 106.5 WBMW. His warm and friendly voice, loyal following, sense of humor, familiarity with everything local and a sincere caring for this community made him a hit with listeners for over six years. There is no doubt that Michael Bernz played a key role in the evolution and success of WBMW. I remember him most importantly as a kind and gentle man who always had an encouraging word. When I was hired for the Soft Rock 106.5 morning show in July 2006, I knew these were big shoes to fill. When you work in radio, it is hard not to be defined by your line of work. That was the case with Michael Bernz, but he also played a major role in defining radio in eastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island. He was one of the most sincere people you could ever meet. He meant it when he signed off his show saying, "I care about you."
Friday, June 19, 2009
Remembering Michael Bernz
Michael Bernz Cipriani was one of the most familiar names and voices in eastern Connecticut. He passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, June 18, 2009. At Red Wolf Broadcasting, we extend our condolences to the Cipriani family. Michael started his long radio career at WSUB/Groton in the seventies. His broadcasting resume included WDRC in Hartford and most recently WWLI Lite Rock 105 in Providence, but "Bernzee" really made his mark gracing the morning airwaves for decades in New London County at WICH and WCTY in Norwich. In the late nineties, Michael was hired by John Fuller at Red Wolf Broadcasting to host the morning show here at Soft Rock 106.5 WBMW. His warm and friendly voice, loyal following, sense of humor, familiarity with everything local and a sincere caring for this community made him a hit with listeners for over six years. There is no doubt that Michael Bernz played a key role in the evolution and success of WBMW. I remember him most importantly as a kind and gentle man who always had an encouraging word. When I was hired for the Soft Rock 106.5 morning show in July 2006, I knew these were big shoes to fill. When you work in radio, it is hard not to be defined by your line of work. That was the case with Michael Bernz, but he also played a major role in defining radio in eastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island. He was one of the most sincere people you could ever meet. He meant it when he signed off his show saying, "I care about you."
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Michael was a great guy. We exchanged tons of emails and he called me at home several times, long after he left WBMW and he was always great to talk to. He knew exactly what is like to be in my shoes when it came to radio.. and he never had anything negative to say.. he always had some very good suggestions and spoke from expierience.
I was flattered beyond belief that someone of Michael's caliber and celebrity took the time for me... and it always made my day when I'd see his name show up on my caller id.
I would definately consider Michael a radio friend and I will be forever sorry I never got to see him in person.... Read More
I hope he rests in peace and that his family, friends, relatives and co-workers find some peace in rather unsettling times.
Paul Walker
walkerbroadcasting@gmail.com
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