Veteran Air Personality Maria Garcia Dies at Age 52

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Maria Garcia

Veteran personality Maria Garcia, who had aired in Miami, New York and the Long Island area, died on Friday, July 12, at the age of 52. Garcia, a Miami native, began her career in her hometown, holding positions at WINZ-AM, WIOD-AM and WHQT-FM. In 1996, she relocated to New York, where she worked as a news writer and traffic reporter for WCBS-AM. By October 1997, she had joined Cox CHR 106.1 WBLI as a morning co-host alongside Steve Harper.

Garcia's career then took her back to Miami, where she was part of Cox Radio's Hot AC WFLC (97.3 The Coast) from 2006 to 2009. She later returned to New York and Long Island, contributing to stations such as WALK-FM, WKJY-FM, WCBS, WABC-AM, WINS-AM, WEMP (FM News 101.9), WNYW-TV and CBS News Radio.

Garcia was a two-time Gracie Award winner and received numerous other industry accolades. She is survived by her son, Ethan, shared with her ex-husband, Andrew Kalb.

Shawn Novatt, reflecting on Facebook, expressed his sorrow over the loss of his friend and former BLI morning show host Garcia. He reminisced about their time together, both the joyous and challenging moments. Novatt highlighted Garcia's influence on his career, her vibrant personality and their shared memories, including broadcasting live from the Dominican Republic and Disney World, and enduring events like the morning of 9/11 and the 2003 blackout.

One particularly humorous memory he shared was of Garcia doing a cartwheel in the hallway outside the BLI studio, losing her balance, and putting her butt through the wall, which led to one of their funniest radio moments.

Novatt emphasized Garcia's impact on his life and career, thanking her for her friendship and the lifetime of memories. He also fondly recalled their shared song, "We're going to Sizzler!" which they often sang when going to lunch after the morning show, and promised to keep her memory alive with this cheerful tune.