Former CBS Radio Executive Rod Calarco Dies at 79

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:25am CT

Rod Calarco

Veteran radio executive John Anthony "Rod" Calarco, whose career included nearly three decades at CBS Radio and leadership positions at several major-market stations, died October 12, 2026, of a heart attack. He was 79.

Calarco, who divided his time between White Plains, NY, and Naples, FL, spent 28 years with CBS Radio, beginning as a salesperson at WCBS-AM in New York before rising to Vice President and General Manager of WCBS-FM. During his tenure, he guided WCBS-FM to the No. 1 position in the market.

He subsequently became Vice President and Group Head, overseeing operations across CBS-owned FM radio stations. Despite his advancement into corporate management, WCBS-FM remained a particularly important part of his career. It was also where he met his wife of 26 years, Cathleen "Cathy" Kelly Calarco.

His broadcasting career included positions at ABC Television, CBS-owned WCAU-AM in Philadelphia, KRQR-FM in San Francisco and the CBS National Sales Rep Firm in Chicago.

Calarco later joined WorldSpace International Radio, an early satellite radio venture that preceded the development of today's satellite radio services.

He began his radio career in sales at WFAS-AM in White Plains and eventually returned to the station as General Manager, a position he held until his retirement.

Throughout his career, Calarco earned a reputation as a respected leader and mentor who encouraged colleagues to advance professionally. Known for his outgoing personality, humor and storytelling, he frequently shared advice that became affectionately known among friends and associates as "Rodisms."

Born February 1, 1947, in Port Chester, NY, Calarco graduated from Port Chester High School and Central Missouri State University, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was also an enthusiastic sportsman who enjoyed jogging, rollerblading, tennis and golf.

Calarco is survived by his wife, Cathy; children Chris Calarco and his wife, Suzanne, Rod S. Calarco and Stephanie Calarco; grandchildren Connor, Emily, Danny, Hudson and Nolan; and brother James Calarco.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.