Visitation: N/A
Service: SATURDAY: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am at Infant of Prague Church, Cheektowaga July 20, 1928 – April 12, 2014 Albert S. “Del” Monaco, a retired radio news director, died April 12 in ElderWood Health Care at Wedgewood, Amherst, after a short illness. He was 85. Born in Buffalo, he was a graduate of Kensington High School and served in the Navy at the end of World War II. Returning from service, he pursued a career in radio. After attending broadcasting school, he adopted the on-air name of “Del Monaco” and worked for several local radio stations. In the early 1960s, Mr. Monaco moved to Arizona as a radio newsman, then worked in California and Detroit. In 1969, he joined KIOA in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was news director. He emceed numerous special events and did live broadcasts annually from the Iowa State Fair. He returned to Buffalo in 1985 and worked as news manager at WYRK until he retired in 1990. During his career, he interviewed numerous political figures, movie stars and leading entertainers. He was a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and was a lector at his Catholic church in Des Moines. In 2010, Mr. Monaco moved from Cheektowaga to Eden Heights of West Seneca and revived his radio personality to entertain residents in the assisted-living community. He read the morning announcements on the public address system and served as emcee for many social events. He tap-danced, recited poetry and hosted an audience participation game every Friday morning. He also played the lead role in the community’s dramatic productions. Survivors include a daughter, Charmaine Maria Balzer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in Infant of Prague Catholic Church, 921 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga.