Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As we continue to remember the life and legacy of Allan Harris, we offer some depth about his life, career and background provided by his family.
Harris died on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 after battling critical illness.
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Allan Harris Rosenblitt was a beloved voice of Western New York, a passionate storyteller, and a cherished family man who led a life defined by adventure, resilience, and the connections he forged with others.
Many will remember Allan from his time on WOKR ABC in Rochester, N.Y., during the 1980s, his steady voice guiding listeners through the ’91 Ice Storm on WHAM, or his tenure as the voice of WBEN’s Traffic Command in Buffalo.
Allan was a true Buffalonian through and through, and a lifelong unwavering Bills fan. But his life story extends far beyond his on-air career.
Born in 1947 and adopted at birth by Phil and Ida Rosenblitt, Allan was deeply loved by his parents. Yet, tragedy struck early in life when, as a young teen, he lost both his mother and father. Embraced by his aunt Lenore and Dave Weinstein, Allan moved across the street and gained a new family with his cousins Susan and Barry, who became his sister and brother.
During his youth, Allan developed a love for sports and excelled in basketball. Honing his skills at Camp Arrowhead, he became the point guard and team captain of the 1964 and 1965 Bennett High School basketball teams, playing alongside his close friend and future NBA Hall-of-Famer, Bob Lanier.
After graduating from San Diego State College, Allan dove into a career in media, working at various outlets across the country and cultivating a passion for chasing stories and exploring the evolving world of communication.
His love of media wasn’t confined to broadcasting—he was also an avid photographer, videographer, audiophile, and writer.
In the 1970s, Allan returned to Western New York to join WOKR TV in Rochester. His versatility shone through as he took on roles as a reporter, weatherman, and anchor.
Over the years, Allan covered huge stories, including the Love Canal environmental disaster, and live shootouts in downtown Rochester. He also conducted interviews with astronauts, Ms. Piggy, Presidents Carter & Bush, and sports icons like Micky Mantle and Mario Andretti. Whether reporting on a leak at Rochester’s nuclear plant or riding elephants down Main Street, Allan approached every story with curiosity and determination.
Allan’s big break on the radio was a true act of nature. In 1991 Rochester experienced a historic weather event that crippled the city for over a week. When the Ice Storm of ’91 rolled in, Allan found himself stranded at WHAM, a powerful 50,000-watt AM news station, while everyone within 25 miles of him was snowed in without power. Desperate listeners turned to their AM Transistor radios for information and found Allan there for them.
Allan stayed on the air for long hours every day for the entire week, taking calls from people in the area to talk about their situations, and relaying important information to the entire community. In many ways he acted as the glue that kept the community together during the disaster.
His time being “the voice of the Ice Storm” led to a decade of his own nightly and weekend call-in show on WHAM. One of the most listened to radio shows in the market, Allan’s voice was what many Rochester locals fell asleep to night after night.
In the mid-2000s, Allan fulfilled a lifelong dream by returning to his hometown of Buffalo and joining the on-air team at WBEN. There, he reported news and eventually took the helm of WBEN’s “Traffic Command”, reaching listeners across Western New York.
Allan’s personal journey took a remarkable turn in 2015 when a commercial DNA test connected him with his biological family, ending a 68-year-long search. The discovery revealed a new chapter in his life as he went from being an only child to having over a dozen siblings in the Buffalo area.
In 2017, Allan became the talk of the town once again when he announced live on air: “I have to go, that was UNOS — they have a kidney for me, and I have to get to Rochester right now!” Though that particular call proved to be a false alarm, Allan successfully received a kidney transplant just two days later, extending his life and shining a spotlight on kidney disease.
Throughout his life, Allan was deeply committed to his community. He supported organizations like the SPCA and the Kidney Foundation of WNY, hosting events and helping raise awareness. His love for animals and his drive to make a difference defined his character.
Above all, Allan was a devoted family man. His children, Marc Rosenblitt and Laura (Rosenblitt) Champury, her husband Richard, and his grandchildren, Lillian and Hayden Champury, were the lights of his life. He surrounded himself with their photos and proudly shared stories of their accomplishments with anyone who would listen.
Friends and colleagues remember Allan as someone who could always bring a smile, no matter the circumstances. His humor, kindness, and boundless energy left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
Allan Harris Rosenblitt embodied the idea of seizing opportunities, taking risks, and standing up for what he believed in. His voice, laughter, and stories will continue to echo in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless listeners whose lives he touched.
He will be profoundly missed.
Allan is survived by his daughter Laura (Rosenblitt) Champury, Richard Champury, grandchildren Lillian and Hayden Champury, Son Marc Rosenblitt and brother and sister Susie Weinstein Levitz and Barry Weinstein.