Tony Verity, an influential broadcaster at Radio Jamaica (RJR) during the 1960s, died July 27 in Winter Haven, Florida at age 78. He passed away at the Winter Haven Hospital from complications of diabetes, his daughter Kelly Bailey told the Jamaica Observer.

During the 1960s, England-born Verity was part of a formidable RJR broadcast team which also included Don Topping, Radcliffe Butler and Neville Willoughby. He was also closely associated with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, serving as master of ceremonies at many of that band’s shows.

Verity moved to Florida in the late 1970s, settling in Winter Haven. He continued to work in radio, hosting a programme on the WSIR community station in his adopted hometown.

Later, Verity worked in the food industry, managing restaurants and working with the Central Florida Power Foods company in Winter Haven.

Tony Verity moved to Jamaica with his family during the 1940s. To many Jamaicans, he is best known for his work at RJR, where he hosted The Good Morning Man Show for several years.

Kelly Bailey says her father’s fondest memories of Jamaica were his years at RJR and working with Lee and his band.

“He really missed those times,” she said.

Tony Verity, who was cremated, is survived by two daughters, two grand-children and one great-grand-child. His family has planned a memorial in his honour on August 31 at their Winter Haven home.