Robert Lee Carson II
Aug. 24, 1964 – Oct. 27, 2024
Robert Lee Carson II, 60, of Tyrone, passed away Sunday. He was born in Tyrone, son of the late Robert Lee and Donna J. (Mills) Carson.
He is survived by his daughter, Mindy Carson; and son-in-law, David, who are the last of his immediate family.
Rob was a 1982 graduate of Tyrone Area High School and went on to study Journalism/Mass Communications and Public Relations at Juniata College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He worked in the journalism field and wrote several articles for local newspapers. Rob was devoted to his love of music throughout his life, and his favorite bands were Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
He remained ever-passionate about politics as he immersed himself in current affairs and continued to enjoy journalism and writing.
Robert Carson was a very popular local DJ and music connoisseur who had the intuition to know what music people wanted to hear, whether they were at a high school dance or a wedding.
He didn’t have a particular affinity for country music, but when the opportunity arose, he went on WGMR to replace Big Gene, who had died. Big Gene had a huge following throughout a number of states, leaving Rob with big shoes to fill, and fill them he did.
Rob’s own highly rated show, The Night Train, was broadcast on several different radio stations at the same time. Wildly popular, Rob had a great connection with his listeners who would call in to make requests each night, often asking Rob to dedicate songs to their loved ones.
Despite his ongoing struggles with Multiple Sclerosis, Rob happily dedicated many long, arduous shifts at the station to continue doing what he loved.
Rob had the innate ability to entertain people, and it’s often been said that radio is a companion, because it doesn’t interrupt life and demand focus like a TV. A radio can play in the background, complementing life without disrupting. Rob did this perfectly. He understood that it didn’t take a jarring and overpowering announcer to work the specific shifts that he did. On the air, he was a smooth, confident and friendly presence. Rob often would remember your name if you called the station, even if you had only called once or twice before. Hundreds of people from all over who called Rob will surely be sad to hear that he is gone.
“I know it was my personal experience that he was one of my mentors in the DJ business. He taught me many valuable lessons, and when I went away to college and gave my business up to the next generation, I referred them to Rob for advice.” — Remembrance by Ted Simpson.
At Robert’s request, there will be no services.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 289, Canton, MA 02021.
Arrangements are by Feller Memorial Home, Tyrone.
fellermemorialhome.com