Sandy Beach Obituary, Death – Western New York Radio Legend Donald Pesola Dies at 86

Western New York is mourning the death of beloved radio personality Sandy Beach, whose real name was Donald Pesola. The longtime broadcaster died on August 17, 2026, following a short illness. He was 86.

Beach was a legendary presence on Buffalo radio whose career spanned more than five decades. His distinctive voice and personality made him a familiar figure to generations of listeners across Western New York.

Remembering Sandy Beach

Born in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, Sandy Beach began his radio career in Buffalo in 1968, joining WKBW Radio.

Although his career took him to other radio markets, Buffalo eventually became his professional home. In 1997, he joined WBEN, beginning what would become the longest chapter of his Buffalo broadcasting career.

For decades, Beach connected with listeners through his work behind the microphone, becoming one of the most recognizable personalities in Western New York radio.

Sandy Beach’s Broadcasting Legacy

Beach’s contributions to radio earned him numerous honors throughout his career.

He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2003, recognizing his lasting influence on the local broadcasting industry.

In 2013, he was recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, another acknowledgment of his significant contribution to radio and popular culture.

Four years later, in 2017, Beach was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

These honors reflected a broadcasting career that had become deeply intertwined with the history of Buffalo radio.

Sandy Beach Retirement

After decades on the air, Beach retired from WBEN in July 2020.

His retirement marked the end of an extraordinary radio career that had begun more than 50 years earlier and included some of the most important eras in Buffalo broadcasting.

Even after leaving the airwaves, his name remained closely associated with Western New York radio and the listeners who had grown up hearing him.

Sandy Beach Cause of Death

Sandy Beach, whose birth name was Donald Pesola, died on August 17, 2026, after a short illness.

He was 86 years old.

Further details about his illness have not been provided in the information available.

His death marks the loss of one of Western New York’s most recognizable and respected radio personalities.

A Lasting Legacy

For more than 50 years, Sandy Beach helped make radio a personal experience for listeners. His career stretched across generations and witnessed enormous changes in the broadcasting industry.

From his early days at WKBW to his long tenure at WBEN, Beach established a legacy that will remain part of Buffalo’s rich radio history.

He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements and numerous honors, but also for the connection he created with listeners throughout Western New York.

Sandy Beach will be remembered as a Western New York radio legend whose voice and personality became an enduring part of Buffalo’s broadcasting history.

May Sandy Beach, born Donald Pesola, rest in peace. His remarkable legacy in radio will continue to be remembered by the many listeners and colleagues whose lives he touched.