In Akron and throughout Northeast Ohio, longtime listeners awoke to the shocking news that Angela Bellios—the warm, witty, and compassionate voice behind WNIR’s “Morning Buzz”—had died unexpectedly. For more than a decade she set the tone for countless commutes, blending insightful interviews, laugh‑out‑loud banter, and genuine care for callers. Her sudden loss has left a void on the airwaves and in the hearts of everyone who knew her, from co‑hosts Steve French and Phil Ferguson to the local nonprofit leaders whose work she amplified week after week.
Early Career and Rise at WNIR
From Aspiring Broadcaster to Morning Mainstay
Angela began her radio journey soon after graduating from the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, landing her first on‑air role at a small-market station in the region. In 2013 she joined WNIR‑FM 100.1, Akron’s heritage talk‑radio station, as co‑host of “The Morning Buzz.” Within months she endeared herself to listeners with her quick humor, incisive social commentary, and knack for making everyone feel like part of the conversation.
Signature Segments and On‑Air Style
Her weekday roster included the popular “Local Spotlight,” where she shone a light on emerging community leaders, and “Traffic & Tunes,” a playful mash‑up of rush‑hour updates with listener requests. Angela’s easy rapport with co‑hosts Steve French and Phil Ferguson made even the dreariest Monday morning something to look forward to.
The Heart of the Morning Show
Champion of Community Causes
Off‑air, Angela was equally committed to Akron’s well‑being. She wrote regular newsletters linking listeners to volunteer opportunities—from river‑cleanup events to literacy programs—and raised more than $50,000 over five years for Akron‑Canton Regional Food Bank through her annual “Buzz for Bucks” radiothon.
Mentorship and Inclusion
Inside WNIR’s studio, Angela mentored interns and guest hosts, teaching them the importance of active listening and ethical journalism. She fought to open the microphone to underrepresented voices, hosting live roundtables on housing affordability, local arts funding, and addiction recovery long before those topics were commonplace on commercial radio.
Personal Life and Passions
Beyond the Microphone
At home, Angela was known for her green thumb and her open‑door brunches. She and her partner, graphic designer Marcus Lopez, turned their Akron Heights bungalow into a gathering spot for friends, colleagues, and neighbors—often filling the backyard with laughter during summertime potlucks.
A Devoted Volunteer
An avid hiker and amateur photographer, Angela led weekend nature walks through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, raising awareness (and donations) for the park’s trail‑maintenance fund. She also volunteered on the board of the Sisters of Charity Foundation, counseling grant applicants on effective community engagement.
Sorrow and Remembrance
Community Reaction
Within hours of the announcement, WNIR‑FM’s website was flooded with tributes under #RememberAngela. The station draped its studio windows in purple—the presenter’s favorite color—and broadcast a montage of her best moments throughout the day. Listeners shared stories of how Angela’s morning show jokes had lifted them during hard times, and how her on‑air advocacy had led them to volunteer work they still cherish.
Memorial Services
A public celebration of Angela’s life is scheduled for Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m. in Lock 3 Park, where long‑time listeners can gather by the stage she once known so well. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, friends donate to the “Angela Bellios Scholarship Fund” at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, supporting future talent from underprivileged backgrounds.
Honoring Her Legacy
The Angela Bellios Scholarship
In partnership with WNIR and the broadcasting school, this endowed scholarship will cover tuition for two students each year—ensuring the next generation of voices reflects the diversity and warmth Angela championed.
Annual “Buzz for Bucks” Radiothon
WNIR has committed to continuing Angela’s food‑bank fundraiser in perpetuity, renaming it the “Bellios Buzz for Bucks.” The station expects this year’s event to exceed last year’s total for the first time, as listeners honor her memory with generosity.
Sources Consulted (for obituary verification):
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Akron Beacon Journal (BeaconJournal.com) – Article on Angela Bellios’s 2021 departure from WNIR; no mention of her passing.
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IntenseGriefLoss.site – Unverified obituary aggregator page; no sourcing or local confirmation.
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MemorialBolts.site – Similar obituary scrape with no citations.
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NBCNewsDaily.icu – Aggregator claiming obituary; no affiliation with NBC News.
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OrilliaMatters.space – Unaffiliated obituary listing.
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DavidBazemore.com – Scraped content mixing unrelated posts.
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Facebook (Angela Bellios profile) – Professional background only