Wendell W. Satterthwait, 80, a lifelong storyteller, historian, broadcaster, and proud Quaker son of Columbiana County, Ohio, passed away on January 24, 2026 after a life defined by resilience, humor, and an unwavering commitment to learning and community.

Born on July 21, 1945, and raised on his family’s 78-acre dairy farm in Salem, Ohio, he graduated from Olney Friends Boarding School in Barnesville, Ohio, in 1963, beginning a broadcasting career that would span decades and reach listeners across the world. From small-town stations in Ohio (Salem, Alliance, Kent, Akron, and Canton) to the CBS-owned WCAU in Philadelphia, ‘Tom Wendell’s’ voice became a familiar presence to thousands. His fourteen years as a network anchor for the United Press International Radio Network placed him on more than 1,400 stations nationwide with his newscasts and ski reports, and carried globally on the U.S. Armed Forces Radio Network.

Wendell’s love of history and scholarship led him to earn his Bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Hunter College, and later a Master’s Degree in American History from Columbia University. His research into his Quaker lineage traced the Satterthwait family back to the 1680s and even carried him to Satterthwaite, England — a village whose narrow roads and deep roots left a lasting impression.

His life was marked by adventure as much as intellect. Wendell logged more than 140,000 miles on his beloved BMW motorcycles, proudly claiming to have been “lost in every one of the 48 contiguous states.” He survived a devastating bicycle accident in 1991, crediting his helmet with saving his life, and later faced major open-heart surgery with the same determination that carried him through every challenge.

Wendell’s personal life was rich with love, loss, and enduring connection. He met Margaret “Peggy” Leonard while living in New York City. He was captivated by her sharp intellect and faith and they married in 1983. Sadly, he lost her when her life was cut short by illness in 1994.

Wendell’s lifelong association with the Religious Society of Friends began in childhood at the Winona Friends Meeting House. He cherished the people who supported him during his life and looked forward to returning to Ohio to see the many cousins, friends and neighbors who enriched his life.

In his later years, Wendell made his home at Riddle Village in Media, Pennsylvania, where he embraced a quieter life filled with bicycles, learning to play pool, joining the resident theatre group, the companionship of fellow residents and attending family events. He remained close to his sisters, Martie Latshaw of Pennsylvania and Gladys Trzcinski of Washington, and to his nieces and nephews, who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Silly”.

Wendell lived a life of stories — told, heard, collected, remembered, and shared. He carried with him the landscapes of Ohio, the energy of New York City, the discipline of Quaker tradition, and the joy of a well-lived, well-examined life. He leaves behind a legacy of intellect, humor, deep generosity, and a voice that once traveled the airwaves but will now echo in the memories of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at the Winona Friends Meeting (Historical Society) on Saturday, July 25, 2026 (TBD) followed by burial in the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to his boarding school would be welcomed. Olney Friends School 61830 Sandy Ridge Rd. Barnesville, Ohio 43713.

www.olneyfriends.org