Ben Stern, father of radio personality Howard Stern, has passed away at the age of 99
. Known for his resilience, hard work, and dedication to his family, Ben was a significant influence on Howard’s life and career. He worked as a sound engineer, notably for the iconic “The Alan Freed Show” in the early days of rock ‘n’ roll radio. His technical background and strict approach to professionalism in the broadcasting world provided a model that Howard often referred to throughout his own career, shaping the radio icon’s work ethic and unique approach to media.
Ben Stern’s legacy is threaded deeply into Howard’s life and the radio persona he created. Howard frequently shared stories about his father on The Howard Stern Show, often recounting Ben’s sayings with humor and warmth. His father’s phrases like, “Don’t be stupid, you moron!” became legendary, symbolizing the tough-love style Ben brought to his parenting, which Howard used for comedic material over the years. Despite the often humorous portrayals, Howard held his father in high regard, acknowledging the disciplined, traditional values he inherited from Ben.
Though Ben remained largely private, his appearances in Howard’s life, directly and indirectly, brought listeners a sense of the close, complex relationship between father and son. As Howard himself has stated, his father’s presence was foundational, instilling in him the drive, creativity, and resilience that helped Howard become one of the most influential voices in radio. Ben Stern’s passing marks the end of an era, not just for Howard and his family, but for the countless fans who felt they got to know him through the stories and laughter on the show. Ben’s memory will continue to live on in Howard’s work and in the hearts of listeners who grew up hearing his voice.
