Former WDEL morning host Bill Horleman has died at 95. Horleman spent 36 years waking up Delaware listeners on the station.
What We Know: Horleman died Friday at the age of 95, according to WDEL. He hosted mornings at the Wilmington station from 1960 through 1996. Before joining WDEL, he worked in both Havre De Grace and Wilmington. Additionally, Horleman was a Navy veteran who later built a decades-long career in Delaware radio.
What He’ll Be Remembered For: Horleman’s morning show became a fixture for generations of WDEL listeners. The station said his program was highly interactive and focused heavily on audience participation. Each morning, Horleman celebrated listeners’ birthdays and connected with people across the community. Meanwhile, his contests often gave listeners the chance to win trips to see his favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies. That combination helped make his show a familiar part of Delaware mornings for more than three decades.
What Remains Unclear: WDEL hasn’t publicly provided additional details about Horleman’s death. The station also hasn’t announced whether it plans to hold a special broadcast or other tribute to its longtime morning host. Further information about funeral arrangements and memorial services wasn’t immediately available.
What It Means: Horleman’s death marks the loss of a longtime Delaware radio personality who spent much of his career serving WDEL’s audience. His 36 years on the morning shift represent a significant era for the station. Moreover, his interactive approach helped establish a personal connection with listeners long before today’s digital platforms. For longtime WDEL listeners, Horleman’s voice and morning traditions remain part of the station’s history.
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