Remembering Matt O’Neill: Beloved JACK FM Radio Host Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Voice, Humor, and Heart
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of the passing of Matt O’Neill, beloved radio personality, creative force, and cherished friend. Known to many as the unmistakable voice behind the airwaves of JACK FM, Matt’s sudden departure has left a profound void—not just in the broadcasting world, but in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
Words fall painfully short in capturing the scope of this loss. Matt wasn’t just a radio partner—he was a confidant, a kindred spirit, and a beacon of wit, warmth, and honesty. For years, his voice became part of countless daily routines, filling homes, offices, and car rides with laughter, music, and a comforting sense of familiarity. He made people feel like they belonged, even if they were total strangers.
A Radioman with a Heart of Gold
Matt O’Neill was the kind of broadcaster who didn’t just speak to an audience—he connected with them. Whether riffing with his longtime on-air partner or weaving in personal stories between tracks, he had a rare gift: the ability to make radio feel intimate, human, and alive.
Behind the mic, Matt’s humor was quick, smart, and a little mischievous—but always rooted in kindness. He knew how to light up a room, even if he was sitting alone in a studio. His commentary was both insightful and relatable, and his presence on JACK FM helped define the station’s heart and soul for years.
A Partner, A Friend, A Brother
To his radio co-host and longtime friend, Matt was more than a colleague—he was family. Their partnership wasn’t just professional; it was a deep bond forged over time, through shared stories, creative synergy, and countless early mornings and late-night laughs. They finished each other’s sentences on air, understood each other’s rhythms instinctively, and found joy in simply doing what they loved—together.
For the entire JACK FM crew and listening audience, Matt was a pillar. His absence now feels seismic. The station may still play on, but the frequency will never quite sound the same.
Beyond the Booth
Away from the studio, Matt was just as beloved. He was a man of generosity, always the first to lift others up, to celebrate someone else’s win, or offer a helping hand behind the scenes. He cherished his friendships, his family, and his community. He was proud of his work—but even prouder of the people he shared it with.
Listeners may remember him for the laughs, the trivia, and the tunes. But those who knew him personally will remember his empathy, his loyalty, and his boundless heart. He made everyone feel like they mattered. And in doing so, he mattered more than words can express.
A Community in Mourning
The grief is collective. Listeners from near and far have begun reaching out, sharing stories of how Matt’s voice helped them through commutes, heartbreaks, lonely days, and joyful celebrations. Some had never met him, yet felt they knew him. That’s the magic he created—an invisible thread between souls, sewn through the static and soundwaves.
In the days ahead, JACK FM will air special tributes in honor of Matt, replaying some of his most iconic moments and opening up space for fans and friends to call in, share memories, and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
Carrying His Legacy Forward
Matt O’Neill’s story doesn’t end here. His voice lives on—not just in recordings, but in the hearts of everyone he inspired. His laugh, his honesty, his rhythm—they are imprinted in the memories of those lucky enough to have heard him live.
For those of us who shared the booth with him, who leaned on his humor, who felt his friendship like an anchor—his memory is a sacred part of who we are. And though the microphone may be silent now, the echo of his spirit will resonate forever.
“He was the voice we needed, and the friend we never expected to find on the other end of the dial.”
Rest easy, Matt. Your song plays on in all of us.