Vic Roby, 93, of Framingham, MA, passed away on September 22, 2011 following a brief illness. Born on November 9, 1917, he was raised in Tylertown, MS and was a 1938 graduate of Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. Vic was a radio and television announcer for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1983. He began his broadcasting career in 1943 at KOA radio in Denver. While a staff announcer there, he co-hosted an advice-to-the-lovelorn radio program, “Tell it to Nellie,” with his bride, Josephine (Emerson) Roby. The couple moved to New York in 1949, and in 1950 he began his 33-year tenure at the NBC network’s flagship stations, WNBC radio and WNBC-TV. His voice became known nationally as a network announcer for NBC promos and program introductions. He also handled local announcing duties for WNBC-TV, including public service announcements, station identifications, and live tags. He hosted several local radio public affairs programs, including “Of Concern” and “This Is My Answer.”
He was the moderator of WNBC-TV’s very successful weekly news program, “Direct Line.” Starting in 1959 and running until 1973, this show pioneered the viewer call-in format. Noted guests included New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller and Mayors Robert Wagner and John Lindsay.
In his retirement, he enjoyed spending more time with his beloved family and improving his golf game. Residents of Scarsdale, NY for almost fifty years, Vic and Josephine moved to Framingham in 2008 in order to be closer to their family.
Vic is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, their daughter, Deborah (Roby) Boyce, and her husband, Joshua A. Boyce, of Sherborn, MA, two grandchildren, Erica Boyce of Watertown, MA and Joshua R. Boyce of Sherborn and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Charlton S. Roby, of Jackson, MS.
Vic’s life was filled with love, grace, integrity, humor and generosity of spirit. He will be deeply missed by the many whose hearts he touched.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vic’s memory may be sent to the Millsaps College Harvey T. Newell Jr. and T. Earl Watkins Scholarship (www.millsaps.edu) 1701 North State Street?Jackson, MS 39210.