Joe Stapleton. (IMDb)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) — WBZ News Radio is deeply saddened by the passing of one of its veteran traffic reporters, Joe Stapleton. Joe died suddenly New Year’s Day, at the age of 55.
He was an outstanding traffic reporter who covered the Boston traffic scene for many years. Joe was one of the original "Traffic on the 3s" reporters, working with many of the voices he grew up listening to on the legendary "Maynard in the Morning" show.
He was teamed with the one and only Joe Greene in the BZ Copter. Joe had been reporting traffic conditions during the equally iconic, NightSide with Dan Rea and Jay Talking with Bradley Jay on WBZ Radio. Joe also appeared on WAAF’s Hill-Man Morning show for many years as “Major Dick.” Joe worked on TV as well, reporting on traffic for WBZ-TV Channel 4 and WHDH-TV Chanel 7.
“Joe was our overnight traffic reporter here at WBZ,” said Bill Flaherty, WBZ Operations Director. “He never walked through the door without a smile and friendly greeting for everyone he met.” Mike Hsu, Producer for The Hill-Man Morning show at WAAF added: “he was a funny and kind gentleman.”
Joe was known for his love of movies. He was an actor and appeared in a variety of films, including “Spotlight,” “R.I.P.D.,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Mystic River,” and “Edge of Darkness.” He also appeared in the television show “Castle Rock."
Joe will be severely missed by his colleagues here at WBZ and by friends in the Boston media and movie industry.