Tom Jolls, the former Channel 7 Buffalo weatherman and host of the long-running children’s program “Commander Tom Show,” has passed away at the age of 89. He had been the last of the legendary trio of local broadcasters to retire and the only one who stayed in Western New York after exiting television. Jolls died surrounded by his family at a hospice facility in Cheektowaga.
Jolls was known for his unique, approachable persona that endeared him to residents of Buffalo and the surrounding areas. He worked as a weatherman at WKBW-TV and was a regular fixture at the station for many years. He also had success as “Captain Tom” on “The Superman Show” before being given his own children’s show.
“The Commander Tom Show” premiered in 1965 and ran until 1991, making Jolls a beloved figure among generations of Western New Yorkers who grew up watching him on TV. His kindness and gentle wit as “Commander Tom” made him a cherished role model for countless children.
But Jolls was more than just a TV personality. He was a talented broadcaster and journalist who took his craft seriously and always strove to provide accurate, helpful weather forecasts for viewers. In his retirement, he lamented the trend of sensationalizing weather events in a way that he felt was unnecessarily scary for the public.
“These weather alerts, and these weather bulletins – and leading the newscasts … My idea was never to scare people. I’d say this is what it looks like is going to happen. It may not, but I want you to be prepared but I don’t want to scare you. I used to emphasize that over and over again,” he once said.
Jolls was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1998 and the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2019 for his outstanding contributions to the broadcasting industry.
Many of his colleagues and fans remember Jolls fondly for his warmth, wit, and approachability. Longtime WKBW anchor Keith Radford shared memories of his friend and colleague, describing him as a very approachable man. Former WKBW News Director John Disciullo remembered Tom as a very humble man, and Mike Randall, 7 News feature reporter, said Tom was the most like himself in person as he was on the air.
Tom Jolls leaves behind a rich legacy as a beloved broadcaster, children’s show host, and role model for many in the Buffalo community. His kindness and generosity of spirit made him a fixture in the hearts of countless viewers who will always cherish his memory.
