Central Pennsylvania radio fans are mourning the loss of Tim Burns, the longtime co-host of WINK 104’s “Wake Up” morning show, who died on June 17, 2026.
News of his passing was shared by his longtime on-air partner and friend, Sue Campbell, in a heartfelt Facebook post that quickly drew hundreds of comments from listeners who grew up with his voice playing in their kitchens and on their school bus rides.
Campbell, who co-hosted the WINK Wake Up Show with Burns for 17 years, described him as both a mentor and a close friend.
She recalled his radio career stretching back decades, beginning at WAHT AM in Lebanon and WKBO AM in Harrisburg before he helped launch WINK 104’s morning program.
According to Campbell, Burns brought a smooth voice, a quick wit, and an infectious laugh that made him a fixture in central Pennsylvania households for nearly two decades.
A Career That Spanned Generations of Listeners
Burns built his reputation well before WINK 104 came on the air. Commenters on social media remembered tuning in to him on WKBO in Harrisburg and even WFBG in Altoona earlier in his career.
One former colleague recalled being recruited by Burns to join WKBO in 1981, noting that the station’s midday lineup never quite recovered once Burns left to take on mornings at WINK 104.
It was that move to WINK 104 that cemented his legacy. Alongside Campbell, Burns helped build one of the region’s longest-running and most beloved morning shows.
Their chemistry on air, paired with recurring bits like his well-known “Toast Song,” became part of the daily routine for thousands of families getting ready for work and school. Several listeners said they could still recite the jingle from memory decades later, a testament to how deeply his humor stuck with audiences.
Tributes Pour In From Listeners and Colleagues
The outpouring of grief following the announcement reflected just how many lives Burns touched during his on-air run.
Listeners described waiting eagerly for their names to be read during birthday shout-outs, riding the school bus while laughing at his jokes, and associating simple everyday moments, like making toast, with his catchphrases.
Former colleagues also weighed in, with one writing that being part of the WINK 104 morning team alongside Burns was unforgettable and that he made everyone feel like a valued member of the crew.
Others recalled charity events and community fundraisers where Burns and Campbell volunteered their time, including efforts supporting local youth sports programs.
Many comments highlighted just how multigenerational his influence was. One listener shared that her daughter, now 41, still remembers and can sing along to his Toast Song from childhood car rides.
Another remembered Burns serving as a parade announcer for local Girl Scout troops, adding a personal touch to community events beyond the airwaves.
As of now, details regarding Burns’ age and cause of death have not been officially released, though tributes suggest he was a beloved figure well into his later years of broadcasting.
Friends and former colleagues have begun asking whether a public memorial or service will be held in his honor, though no formal announcement has been made.
For many in central Pennsylvania, Tim Burns was more than just a name on the radio dial.
He was a constant companion during morning routines, a source of laughter during difficult days, and a familiar voice that helped shape the identity of Harrisburg radio for generations. His passing marks the end of an era for listeners who grew up with his voice as part of their daily lives.
