Former Rock 102 radio host, John O’Brien, often sits on his porch reading at his home in Wilbraham. Oct. 6, 2025.
Republican file photo
SPRINGFIELD — While Springfield-based radio station Rock 102 was hosting its annual Mayflower Marathon Food Drive on Nov. 24, hosts Mike Baxendale and Steve Nagle were also mourning one of their own.
Hours earlier, radio personality John O’Brien, who had hosted the “Bax & O’Brien” morning show with Baxendale, died of cancer.
Rock 102 released a statement upon the news of O’Brien’s passing. “John was and will always be a cornerstone of Rock 102’s history, remembered fondly by countless friends and colleagues. Among his many contributions, one of the most enduring is the Mayflower Marathon Food Drive. John helped launch this incredible event 32 years ago, and thanks to his vision, it continues to make a lasting impact in our community.”
O’Brien, who was 65 years old, was diagnosed with cancer 13 years ago. He hosted the morning show until 2022; the same year he was inducted into the Massachusetts Radio Hall of Fame. At the time, he said that the departure was not voluntary and shared that he had been struggling with his mental health. Recently, O’Brien hosted the podcast “OB Negative” on iHeart Radio.
City Councilor Victor Davila recognized O’Brien’s passing at the Nov. 24 City Council meeting, calling him a “radio legend” before dedicating the moment of silence to him.
Reflecting on his experiences with O’Brien, G. Michael Dobbs, retired executive editor of Reminder Publishing said, “Mike Baxendale and Steve Nagle always treated me very well with my many appearances on Bax and O’Brien’s morning show, and I admire both of them as broadcasters, but I always got the sense that it was John O’Brien who wanted to talk politics and local events with me.”
Dobbs said, “Talking to John was always working without a net — as a former talk radio host, I enjoyed it — and he would frequently have no clue what he wanted to discuss until I sat behind the mic and he would start scrolling through The Reminder’s website and my columns. He would be roundly teased for that, but it was all a schtick and off-mic John and I did have additional conversations. He was an old school broadcaster, who, despite his obvious sense of humor, took his service to the community seriously as his dedication to the Mayflower Marathon proved year after year.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also took a moment to remember O’Brien. “I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of ‘lovable curmudgeon,’ Hall of Fame Radio Broadcaster, Co-host of the Rock 102 Bax & O’Brien show — John O’Brien,” Sarno said in a statement. “My sympathy, thoughts, prayers and encouragement go out to John’s family, friends, fans and to co-hosts Mike ‘Bax’ Baxendale and Steve Nagle.” Sarno, who has been public about his own cancer diagnosis and treatment, said, “John fought a valiant public battle with his cancer challenges, which inspired many of us.”
Sarno continued, “He was a strong and proud supporter of our public safety officials, especially our police officers. If he wasn’t ‘busting your or my chops’ you’d know that something was wrong. The last time I saw my friend was at the Bright Nights Ball and even though he was struggling, he still made me laugh — as he enters the gates of heaven, I’m sure he’ll give St. Peter an earful! Rest in peace, my friend, for you’re not in pain anymore.”
