TOMS RIVER – A former WOBM radio personality has embraced her move from the airwaves to the roadways with a renewed sense of purpose.
Marianne Levy has fond memories of the days she co-hosted a morning show on WOBM-AM with her late husband, Bob Levy. Their enchanting and lively banter captivated a vast audience of devoted daily listeners.
However, these days, Marianne has traded in her radio persona for a different kind of uniform. As a dedicated crossing guard in Toms River, she now dons a badge and jacket, ensuring the safety of students during the school year at Toms River High School South and Walnut Street School.
Driven by her genuine enjoyment of interacting with children, Marianne also decided to spend some time helping out in the elementary school cafeteria.
When the summer season rolls in, Marianne takes her post to Ortley Beach, where she guides and crosses vacationers eager to bask in the sun and surf.
“Bob always told me I belonged on a corner,” joked Marianne.
It was that kind of remark that became the show’s trademark, where Bob and Marianne delighted in playfully trading jabs with one another. The lighthearted jest kept audiences invested, eagerly anticipating each witty retort, and adding an extra layer of fun to the show’s irresistible charm.
With a mischievous glimmer in her vibrant green eyes, the former radio host lit up as she described some of the couple’s unforgettable morning on-air escapades. No scripts, no rehearsals – they simply rode the waves of spontaneity, embracing the unexpected with unrivaled enthusiasm.
Bob’s career with WOBM began in 1968 when the radio station first debuted on the AM/FM airwaves. For nearly four decades, Bob captivated audiences with his weekly broadcast known as ‘Topic A.’ But his innovation did not stop there.
Recognizing an opportunity for even more engaging programming, he proposed the idea of a lively morning broadcast, complete with a charismatic co-host by his side – his wife.
“The manager at the time wanted to know what I’d done,” Marianne laughed. “Bob told him that I was most recently a very successful hostess in a very successful Chinese restaurant.”
Apparently, the lack of a fancy resume didn’t seem to matter, and Marianne was given the job. The two went on the air without any real direction and just started to talk, essentially figuring they’d wing it.
“It was really bad. I wasn’t one to hold back and told Bob on the air that it was really stupid,” shared Marianne. “He said, ‘That’s it: We’ll be the stupidest show on the radio.’”
As the couple acted like the real married couple they were, listeners seemed to get a kick out of them. Advertisers also learned of the show’s popularity and saw an opportunity to get their name out there in the local area. It was an all-around win for the radio station.
On March 1, 2018, the day that marked the 50th anniversary of WOBM’s inception, Bob Levy passed away at age 86. Though ironically coincidental, the timing added an extra layer of poignancy to the day.
Marianne, who had shared 25 cherished years of marriage with Bob, was left to mourn the loss of her beloved partner at the young age of 60. It didn’t end there.
In too short a time span, first Marianne’s mom passed away. Then, she faced the death of her best friend. The owner of multiple rescue pups, Marianne, suffered a further loss when one died.
Less than a year after Bob’s passing, Marianne showed up for her morning show and learned she would no longer be on the air. Marianne’s one regret was that she never had the chance to say goodbye to her listener friends.
The thought of going into early retirement didn’t sit well with Marianne. Her passion for people and a profound curiosity about the role of crossing guards led Marianne to her next job. She hasn’t looked back since she first signed on four years ago.
“I love people, and I love standing on the corner,” said Marianne. “I love meeting new people, and I love to wave as cars pass by me. Many of them beep to say hello.”
Marianne’s pups remain an integral part of her life. After Bob’s death, Marianne welcomed her sister, Karen, into the spacious home she and her husband once shared. Now, under one roof, the two sisters find comfort and companionship, which includes their devoted rescue dogs.
Czar, the largest of the loveable canines, played a major role in the next chapter of Marianne’s life.
“I’m a big Facebook poster and had posted that it was my birthday,” she said. “I went to take Czar to the groomer, and the groomer was standing there with some guy.”
Marianne said she was surprised when the long-bearded gentleman wished her a happy birthday. It turned out they had mutual social media friends, and Craig Beecher had recalled the morning message. To her amazement, Marianne felt an instant connection with her newfound acquaintance.
Despite the passage of years since Bob’s passing, Marianne had never entertained the thought of pursuing a romantic relationship with anyone else. However, as she introduced Craig to Czar, they engaged in a brief but meaningful conversation. Marianne felt certain Craig was equally drawn to her and anticipated he would try to connect further via a private Facebook message.
“I kept looking at my phone, and nothing was showing up,” said Marianne. “I really thought something was there.”
Just as Marianne would share personal anecdotes as a radio co-host, she’d turned to Facebook as a platform to offer glimpses into her life. Five weeks after her chance encounter with Craig, Marianne related something that happened while working in the Walnut Street School cafeteria.
A fifth-grade boy named Jacob curiously asked Marianne if she was married. Upon hearing her response, Jacob offered to introduce Marianne to his grandpa, who he described as someone with a beard, adorned with lots of tattoos, and an avid rider of motorcycles.
Grandpa’s description might well have fit Craig – but it wasn’t him.
However, the Facebook post finally prompted a response from the man Marianne felt sure she’d hear from weeks before.
“I can’t believe I was beaten out by a fifth grader,” Craig messaged.
The rest is history, with Marianne now regularly hopping on the back of Craig’s bike. Although Craig’s entirely different than Bob, Marianne firmly believes her late husband sent Craig to her. Actually, the two do share one common trait as far as a brash sense of humor.
“Craig always says to me that Bob had something to say to him,” smiled Marianne. “He told me that Bob told me I was his problem now.”
Life goes on in the most unexpected ways. However, one thing remains consistent for Marianne, who was never given the opportunity to offer some final words to her avid radio fans.
“Remember to count your blessings and not your troubles,” Marianne shared. “And, if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. And have a great day!”
If those words strike a chord of familiarity, it’s no coincidence. For a remarkable span of 23 years, those were the exact words that Marianne would use to bring her radio show to a close each and every day. The cherished phrase became synonymous with the end of an era, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts and ears of her devoted listener friends.
