Rhode Island Broadcaster Ron St. Pierre Dies at 69

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 14, 2024

Ron St. Pierre

Sad to report the death of iconic Providence, RI air personality Ron St. Pierre. He was 69. With a career spanning several decades, St. Pierre became a prominent figure in RI's broadcasting scene, contributing significantly both on-air and off-air at leading Talk stations, including WPRO-AM and WHJJ-AM. He earned prestigious inductions into the Rhode Island Radio & Television Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Pawtucket Hall of Fame in 2017.

Reflecting on his career during an interview with Rhode Island College's student newspaper in 1984, St. Pierre shared, "I just love the business. It's fun. I'm fortunate. This is what I always wanted." His passion for broadcasting was evident in his dedication and approach to radio.

A native of Pawtucket's Darlington section, St. Pierre's journey in broadcasting began early. After graduating from St. Raphael Academy and enrolling at Rhode Island College, he embarked on a broadcasting career that started with a weekend photography job at WJAR-TV. His professional radio career kicked off at WNRI in Woonsocket in 1977, eventually leading him to become the program director at WHJJ in the 1980s, where he was instrumental in transforming the station into a ratings leader, notably by bringing Cianci on board as a host.

St. Pierre's move to WPRO in 1988 to oversee its transition from music to a News/Talk format underscored his visionary approach to broadcasting. His career also included stints in Florida and New York City, before returning to Rhode Island airwaves on WPRO in 1997.

His ability to connect with listeners through his "unassuming, authentic style and natural quick wit," as described by fellow Pawtucket native Herb Weiss, was a key factor in his on-air success. Despite being let go by WPRO in 2013, St. Pierre's resilience shone through when he took over the morning show on WHJJ, where he remained until 2020.

Ron St. Pierre leaves behind his wife, Patti, and a legacy in Rhode Island broadcasting that will be remembered for generations. The couple resided in East Greenwich.