Thomas "Tommy" Michael Roberts

Thomas M. “Tommy” Roberts, passed away at the age of 96
on August 14th 2024 after a fight with cancer, lovingly
surrounded by family and friends. He was born during 1928
in Camden, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Woodrow
Wilson High School and continued his education at Rutgers
University, South Jersey.

His career path began as a disc jockey in his hometown at
WCAM radio station in the late 1940s. He was drafted into
the army in 1951. Tommy was sent to Korea where his radio
talents were put on full display. He formed the “Korea
Armed Forces Radio Network” that reached military
personnel throughout South Korea and as far away as Japan.
He also produced and hosted a live show “Onstage Korea”
that brought Hollywood talent including actor William
Holden and Tommy’s great friend singer Eddie Fisher to the
war zone.

In 1955 he was hired by CBS to broadcast the Philadelphia
Warriors basketball games. Later, he became the voice of
the 76ers. He also called the action for his beloved
Philadelphia Eagles Football team during that time frame.
For his accomplishments he was inducted as a proud
member of The Broadcasting Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of
Fame.

He became publicity director at Garden State Park racetrack
in 1960. Later in the decade he began hosting “The Race of
the Week” from fabulous Hialeah Park. It was the first horse
racing show to be televised in color. Hugely popular, it was
watched by a nationwide audience for 23 years.

In 1968 he collaborated with Madison Square Garden,
producing and announcing eight World Championship
boxing events, culminating with the Joe Frazier vs Oscar
Bonevena Championship bout.

He was named Vice- President and General Manager of
Hialeah Park in 1976. In his three year stint there he worked
diligently to make improvements to the track.

Tommy saved the best for last. In 1983 he introduced a new
concept to the horse racing industry. Simulcast was Tommy’s
brainchild. It made it possible to receive the feed of live
horse races to casinos, off track betting facilities and the
living rooms of horse players. His innovation is now an
industry that operates around the world.

Tommy loved the game of golf. For many years he played
almost daily rounds with his late, great friend, jockey Eddie
Arcaro. Joe Namath and Masters champion Raymond Floyd

were among his celebrity friends that played with him on
many of America’s greatest golf courses.

Tommy’s most treasured times were spent with the love of
his life Vicky, his wife of 36 years. They enjoyed traveling the
world, spending good times with family and friends, and
sharing an incredible life together.

Tommy is survived by his wife Vicky, his sons, Todd and
Tommy II and a brother Robert Recchiuti, along with a
stepson Hugh Gallagher and step granddaughters Ashlyn,
Kaitlyn and Kendra Gallagher.

Services will be private. Memorial donations may be made
to Tommy’s favorite charities, Tunnel to Towers Foundation
or the First Tee Program.

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