Those of us who have “routine” jobs often follow a daily routine where the same thing happens at the same time every day. For me, taking a shower and shaving has always happened at the same general time on workdays and, for as long as I can remember, has included listening to 1010WINS. Since the reporters and anchors keep to a schedule, you sort of get to know the voices, and sometimes the personalties, of those who are figuratively taking a shower with you. One of those voices that is ingrained in my psyche is Larry Wachtel.

Larry was the financial analyst for 1010WINS and at 36 and 56 past every hour he would enlighten those of us who are not in the financial industry as to what happened yesterday and what might be expected today. His voice was quite distinctive, with a heavy Brooklyn accent and a gruffness that would make you think he was the stereotypical taxi driver, if you weren’t from around here. Additionally, he was able to boil down the major financial related news into something that laymen could understand, without being patronizing. As much as he could, without going overboard, he would throw in some humor related to the news, if it was appropriate. He tried to make it sound like a weather report. Additionally, he almost always ended his segment by declaring that it was some celebrity’s birthday and saying, “Gather those rosebuds.” Many a time, I would say it along with him.

He died Sunday night. He was 77 years old.

You can see some quotes of his here.