David Liroff, 77, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
From Jeanne Hopkins, GBH
We are saddened by the news of the passing of our friend and former colleague David Liroff who was GBH Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, serving from 1979-2007.
During his 28 years with GBH, David made enormous contributions to the advancement and growth of our operations and services, as well to the wider public broadcasting system. “David was my first hire when I became General Manager, and how fortunate we were,” said GBH Vice Chair and former President Henry Becton. “There was no one more passionate about our mission, or more vigilant to maintain the trust of our audience. David personified the best of our public media family and will be sorely missed.”
David wore many hats during the course of his long tenure said Becton, including Broadcast Manager and Television Station Manager, then Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “We benefited greatly from his expertise and sound guidance in a range of areas from technology to program production to strategy.”
He was responsible for local TV programming and broadcasting including Say Brother, La Plaza, and The Ten O’Clock News, national “how-to” program production including This Old House, The Victory Garden, and The New Yankee Workshop, as well as engineering, information technology and audience research. He launched the GBH Media Library and Archives, which later expanded with the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. He created and managed the Audience Research department, established our first professionally-staffed audience and member services department, and oversaw GBH’s transition to digital production and broadcasting, facilitating the technical transition to our new studios at Guest Street in Brighton.
David was an exceptional leader within the public media system. He was in many ways GBH’s ambassador with our partners across public television and radio, serving on numerous boards and committees, advising on topics ranging from new technology to legislative policy to funding models. He was universally respected for his thoughtfulness, expertise and honesty. He was committed to the public media mission and worked at facilitating successful collaborations on behalf of public broadcasting and WGBH.
He was a mentor to many colleagues, including GBH President Jon Abbott. “When I joined GBH, David was generous in sharing his knowledge, insight and wisdom. But importantly, he shared his encouragement for what we could accomplish when we all worked together. He truly embodied the spirit of system-building.”
Always a teacher and problem solver, Dr. Liroff — he held a Ph.D. in radio, TV and film from Northwestern University, a Masters in speech and theater from Brooklyn College/City University of New York, and a Bachelor’s degree in political science from MIT — would illustrate projects and ideas on the board he kept on the wall of his office for any colleague interested in considering new ideas and better approaches to the work.
David was a recognized expert about the impact of new technologies on public broadcasting and society. He served on the Board of Directors of American Public Television and Public Interactive. From 1999 to 2005 he served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Public Television Stations, advocating for federal funding with our legislators. He was a trustee of American Public Television (APT) and won their first Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. The award recognizes a visionary person who has made a tremendous positive impact for decades, believes in and works passionately for the greater good. He also received the PBS Development Professional of the Year award, recognizing his championing of development within public television.
Before joining WGBH, David was at St. Louis public television station KETC, where he served as director of broadcasting. Prior to that, he was program director for WOUB-TV20 in Athens, Ohio and assistant professor in the College of Communication, School of Radio/Television at Ohio University.
Following his departure from GBH David went on to become Senior Vice President, System Development and Media Strategy with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), allowing his colleagues across the system to continue to have the benefit of his wisdom on a range of strategic issues, including system strategy and policy development, audience-based research, implementation of station grant policy and strategy, and investments in new technologies.
In his farewell remarks at an all-staff gathering in his honor at GBH, David shared his pride in the work of the organization, noted the real challenges through the years, but underscored the trust audiences place in the organization, and reminded his colleagues why the mission matters. “Yes, there’s plenty of room for improvement in the way we do our business — we must change in fundamental ways — that’s true of any organization of our age — but the key to our success in those years — as it continues to be today — is belief in our mission, and remaining true to our commitments. The lesson we should all take away is that this organization — and the interests of our intended beneficiaries and stakeholders – has been best served when we have been true to our mission.”
David died on May 14, three weeks short of his 78th birthday. He is survived by his wife Jean, his son Jonathan of Houston, Texas, his daughter Brooke Fabian of Gloucester, MA, and his grandchildren Lucy and June Fabian. His retirement years were devoted to walking his Newfoundland dogs, renovating his home in Topsfield, MA and, after a career in which he had to remain politically neutral, campaigning enthusiastically for Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Seth Moulton.
From Eli Ingraham
From Jean Liroff
Courtesy call from Rose and Max 2007
July 2007 at CPB
He liked Boxers too
From Facebook – through Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 3:30 p.m.
Phil Meyer – Very sad, indeed.
Andrea Cross – I have fond memories of David. He was always such a presence in the GBH hallways… Very sad news.
Tim Halle – One of the greats of public broadcasting and an incredibly nice man.
Barry Nelson – That is indeed sad news. What a great thinker and generous of spirit.
Susan Lewis Solomont – So sad. David was wonderful. Always friendly and open to ideas. And he loved WGBH and PBS
Kim Thomas O’Loughlin – David was the epitome of kindness. Very sad.
Louise Rosen – So sorry to hear this. A genuine, thoughtful, kind person that brought so much to any process he engaged in.
Laura Moy – Too soon. He was always so welcoming and kind. In my early days at GBH, he always had a story to share and a suggestion for whatever strategy we were pursuing at the time. And he loved showing off the view of the tower from his old office on the Strip!
Darrell Byers – Absolute tears. So sad to see this.
Eileen Hughes – A true gentleman and scholar. He always demonstrated kindness, compassion and humor.
Michael Scannell – Eileen Hughes I said the same thing “gentleman and a scholar” when Ron Bachman posted something earlier today
Janis Henwood Khorsi – Such a lovely man and person. I loved working with David and he was always so supportive and appreciative of our collaborative work at WGBH. David will be supremely missed.
Greg Fitzgerald – So sorry to hear this. I always looked forward to David’s technology crystal ball at pub TV conferences.
Mary Toropov – Anyone know cause of death?
Jay Collier – No information.
Germaine Frechette – David was very present, he always had a moment for a door knob conversation to offer up a kind word or thought. He led by example .
Rosalyn S Minassian – Well said, he led by example.
Gail Kuekan O’Docherty – So sad. Such a loss.
John Madden – Wow, David was the best in making sure we got the best decision from all inputs. My sincere condolences to David’s families
John Voci – A sad day. His impact on GBH was huge.
Joel Olicker – Most times when we passed in the halls, David would stop and ask me what was up with me. His genuine warmth and interest in others made you feel like a respected member of the team.
Elaine Coolbrith – A great leader and wonderful man, I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Carla Marshall-Waggett – So very sorry to hear of Mr Liroff’s passing. He leaves behind a full and wonderful legacy of giving and learning.
Cyrisse Jaffee – Very sad news.
Rosalyn S Minassian – An honorable gentleman Asvadz Hokin Lousavore 🙏
Roger Lyons – David was a mentor, an inspiration, and the heart and soul of public television. And a terrific human being.
Denis O’Neill – David was a very good guy. R.I.P.
KariAnn Assur – Oh, this is so deeply sad. He was such a warm, kind man.
Peter Swanson – So sorry to hear this! DL was one of a kind, in the best possible way. A shining light.
Kai Fujita – Indeed – a very gentle and generous man. Any information about a memorial?
Jay Collier – Kai Fujita Norhing yet, but I’ll share when known.
Kai Fujita – Thanks, Jay
Lo Hartnett – Sad news indeed. The years we worked together, David was my mentor, my boss and my teammate. He would question fund raising always seeking better ways. He’d come up with ideas, and I had the pleasure of finding a way to make it happen. Together we paved new roads, and I cherished every moment. David was inquisitive, always focused and left an impact on our industry and beyond. Thank you David for your leadership and your friendship.
Susan Bluttman – We acted together in a series of plays at MIT Theatre. What a fine person.
Bill Pimentel – A giant of a man, who never felt it beneath him to kneel down to listen to the concerns of his foot soldiers. I will never forget him. RIP, “DBL”
Mark Duffield – Bill Pimentel Sad news indeed. The years we worked together, David was my mentor, my boss and my teammate. He would question fund raising always seeking better ways. He’d come up with ideas, and I had the pleasure of finding a way to make it happen. Together we paved new roads, and I cherished every moment. David was inquisitive, always focused and left an impact on our industry and beyond. Thank you David for your leadership and your friendship.
Mike Wilkins – I can only echo the everything everyone has said. Perhaps I can add this moment of levity – “Boston or Bust” the send-off of David from the staff of KETC-TV9/St. Louis: https://youtu.be/bhzzs10uOgg?t=116 Boston or Bust: Send-off for David Liroff (1978)
Jay Collier – Looking forward to watching that, Mike!
Mike Wilkins – a lot of inside jokes of course, but still…
Carla Raimer – I really loved David. We had many lunches, walks & talks discussing a wide range of topics. He was kind, intelligent & a real class act. Condolences to his family 🙏
Cynthia Broner – So many fond memories of this brilliant and kind man.
Tonia Magras – Always kind and a beautiful smile. RIP 💜
Nancy Walker – Rest Well David…you will be missed 😔❤
Eli Ingraham – Deeply, deeply saddened by this news. David and I were great friends at WGBH and kept the friendship up after his retirement. Every month we’d have lunch at our favorite steampunk diner, then go on some wacky field trip to an historic mill, or textile … See more
Eli Ingraham – Some Tap ‘n Tool escapade memories:
Jamie Haines – Eli Ingraham he was the best…I adored working with him and his counsel after leaving gbh. What a good human we have lost.
Susan Posner – So sad. What a wonderful person he was, in all ways.
Jay Collier – Eli Ingraham May I post these on the alumni website?
Eli Ingraham – Jay Collier, yes, of course. 🙏
Lo Hartnett – Look at that grin. Like a kid with a new toy. Clocks were a favorite.
Debby Paddock – David had so much knowledge and the gift of sharing his skills to make us all better at our jobs- his warmth was felt by everyone.
Joe Karaman – So very, very sorry to hear this sad news! David was a very insightful and generous leader during one of GBH’s finest growth periods. So very glad and grateful to have known him.
John Madden – David was the epitome of the GBH I remember, sharing, caring, collaborating, excelling, producing and mentoring
Kai Fujita – John Madden Truly.
Bill Pimentel – I just read in Current that there’s no memorial service, at David’s request. Just like him; he’d want us to remember him in life, not look back but ahead. I’m so glad & grateful we all had that opportunity in 2007. 🙏🏻
Dan Jones – Bill Pimentel Truly “Liroff” of him!
Dan Jones – Truly a sad day. My favorite GBH exec! We saw many of them in the studio during Pledge week. David always had time to check in on a personal level. He also knew my dad who was a station manager elsewhere – always thought to ask about him as well. A very thoughtful man and mentor. Sleep well Mr. Liroff
Frank Coakley – One of the truly good guys in the business. RIP
[Editor’s note: Dozens of colleagues have already expressed their gratitude to David on his profile page.]
Very sad news, indeed! My heart goes out to his family.
I am very saddened by the news. It was always a pleasure when I ran into David around the building at 125. I didn’t report to David yet had such thoughtful conversations with him that I asked if we could have a not-so-official standing annual meeting. He laughed …and agreed. In between times, his door was always open for support and guidance. Along with it came his insights and humor. He was a wonderful man and will be missed
Jean Liroff sent photos of David and some of the dogs he loved.
https://www.wgbhalumni.org/2022/05/16/david-liroff/
David was one of the smartest people I have ever met. With all his technical abilities he was a man of the people. He and I shared many conversations over the years and I always valued his input. But most of all he was my friend. Our lunches at the Cheesecake Factory with Dave and Dan Everett won’t be the same. My condolences to Jean and their children.
After reading the comments about David, I realize that his ability to span boundaries and maintain a humane presence in the midst of so much de-humanizing technology is my take away.
May we all emulate him – in our own ways.
Thank you, David.
Rushing down a GBH hallway with that joyous lilt to his gait, David always had time for a quick chat. From my initial engineering job in 1983 to Ed Programming in 2006 there was one person from the strip who called me by name, followed my career moves, and cheered me on. That meant more to me then he ever could have imagined.
Thanks David
Great memories John. What a special guy – sorry to hear of his passing.
So sorry to hear of David Liroff’s passing. I cannot begin to articulate what a wonderful man he was and how much I admired him.
Once long ago Liroff beckoned to me to come in as I passed his office. “What is it?” I asked, staring at the large gizmo on his desk. It was the first MAC I’d ever seen. Liroff’s delight at what it could — and would — do was infectious.
One morning I saw him coming down the hall. “Walk with me,” he said, like he always did. I thought he wanted to tell me about a new program or idea he was hatching. Nope. As we walked, he told me that he and Jonathan had built a trebuchet and were hucking water balloons over tree tops near their home.
He came to many of the important development meetings and conferences. He delighted in new ideas. He encouraged us. He also understood WGBH’s specialness.
When one of our WGBH colleagues finished up a hitch running a significant division of the Foundation, Liroff walked with him just to say thanks.
Everything everyone has said about David is true. I want to add one more note, a humorous one. David knew jargon and latched onto quips faster than anyone I know. One of my favorites was “a blinding flash of the obvious,” which I heard the first time from his mouth. But there were so many others.
On a more serious note, the man was like a sponge, absorbing every bit of information, every comment, he encountered, but squeezing it out at the appropriate moment and collecting the dots (to mix metaphors) to show the whole. He was so darned smart, yet had this gift of listening to everything you aid, no matter how off the mark it may have been, and making you feel like it was the most important thing he’d ever heard.
Upon meeting David Liroff for the second time, one’s first impression was validated: This fellow is for real.
What set him apart was the humor and the innate kindness with which he graced the organization. He was consistently optimistic, loyal, cheerful, fun … a friend to all.
A truly good person and a humble man. At his core, David loved the WGBH mission and its people, and he watched out for both in myriad ways.
Eli Ingraham has shared several of her photos with David and they’re posted here: https://www.wgbhalumni.org/2022/05/16/david-liroff/
If you have photos of David to share, send them to
Current article: https://current.org/2022/05/david-liroff-former-vp-and-cto-for-gbh-dies-at-77/
For some reason David started calling me Gibbs one day and I answered back Liroff. That continued for many years whenever we saw each other until one day I was in the elevator in 114 traveling between floors when the door opened and there stood Liroff who said “Well hello there Deb”. I stared at him in astonishment and said “Oh no, you don’t get to call me Deb!”. He cracked up laughing, as did I. He was a sweet, kind and funny man.
Goodnight, Liroff – sleep well my dear friend.
So sad to hear of this news. David was an amazing man, not only brilliant in the world of broadcasting and media but could talk about anything from baseball to fixing brakes on cars. In the old 125 Western Avenue building, when he was on the 2nd floor, he never failed to stop by my office to say hello and chat for a bit. Although I know he was busy, I always appreciated his time. My sincerest condolences to his family.
I worked with David at WOUB. He was always easy to talk to and fun to be with. Condolences to Jean.
David’s passing, and all these poignant notes about his wonderful role as mentor and inspirer-in-chief at WGBH over the years bring tears to my eyes. I miss his smile and encouraging ways. David was non-judgmental and open to new and crazy ideas. His passing reminds me of the strong community we shared over the years. And of course his passing comes way too soon… he was “only” 77. Tragic loss. Bob Nesson
I am so very sorry to hear of David’s passing. He truly was a gentleman and a scholar. For many years, he was my boss and my mentor at ‘GBH, and he always had time and a kind word for everyone. He taught me so much. I considered him to be a futurist – he was talking about digital television before most had ever heard the term! David showed respect for all. He knew that a good idea could come from anyone, and always had his ears open for them. A small but memorable thing he would do – when we had our one-on-one meetings, he would come from behind his desk and sit in the chair next to me – his way of showing that he considered me a peer and that he was interested in our conversation. I still talk about all of his pearls of wisdom. Such a wonderful man. Rest in peace, David.
So many fond memories of “DBL,” and a funny one: I always relied on David to decipher complex tech matters for any speech, script, or publication I was working on. One time, in the very early days of desktop computers, he called to tell me to go into his office, turn on his Mac — he must’ve (shhhh!) shared his password — and retrieve a document where I’d find the answer to my query.
When I pressed a key, his computer whispered, “Dave!” in the unmistakably eerie voice of Hal 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. I jumped up and ran out to the assistants on the Strip. This was decades before the world of Siri and GPS … and long before the rest of us learned how to select a voice on the Mac to let us know when we’d hit the wrong key.
And the PS: ever responsive, David had called me from his hospital bed, where he was about to undergo surgery.
So sad to hear this news. I had the privilege to report to David for many years and loved working with him.
He was brilliant, curious about everything, and so knowledgeable about PBS – knowledge which he shared generously. He was passionate about our mission, and as others have detailed, established the first research department at GBH. David was an early and avid champion for preserving the film and video assets in our, what was then, woefully inadequate archives.
I remember work retreats at his home in Newton and his love of his big Newfoundland puppy dogs. My memory is that there were always 2 of them and they could knock you down with their energy – of which David was right in the middle.
My condolences to Jean and the rest of his family.
I am saddened to hear this news. David was kind, supportive and always available to chat. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
This is such sad news – Dave was an inspiration, a leader, and a visionary. I remember him saying to an early Producers Workshop class, “Have you ever heard of GOOGLE?” It was so early that only a few of the group, all of them smart young media makers, raised their hands. “It will change our lives,” he added. Too true, in this and so much more. Rest in peace, David.
When I read the news I immediately thought of you and how sad you must be. He was a lovely man and I have such wonderful memories of him. Hugs to you.
David was a kind and generous with his breath of knowledge as a leader at WGBH. I will look back at our talks with great fondness and miss that mischievous smile. Wish you well on your journey David. My deep condolences to his family.
I just want to thank David for his kindness over the years. That’s what I remember best about him. My deep condolences to his family.
Aimée Sands
My thoughts are with you, Susan. Only the best of times with David Liroff! Heavy hearts…Audrey
If ever there was a true fountain of intelligence, wit and wisdom it was David. In my rookie year, 1976, I soon realized that David was the one person that I could go to with a fist-full of questions and come out with the answers. He was uncommonly intelligent, with a broad knowledge of the PBS world and the world in general. He could see the big picture clearly and explain it to those of us who couldn’t.
David’s door was always open. I would drop in unannounced at all hours of the day and there he was, willing to break down the most intricate and indecipherable of PBS problems to their most common denominator. I got the feeling that he was playing chess while the rest of us were stuck on checkers.
And lest we forget, David had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke.
I am so very sad to hear this news. While I didn’t directly get to work with David, he was nonetheless one of my favorite people at the station. In large all-staff meetings, in the hallways, cafeteria, David was so friendly, smart, funny, welcoming, energetic. I haven’t seen him since 2007 but I am going to miss him.
I was hoping to never see this news on the alumni site. So when I opened the email today and saw that David passed, it shook me to my core. I was David’s executive assistant for over 20 years. He was wonderful to work for. I never had a single bad day with him. If I had a dollar for every time someone called or came by to get David’s advice I’d be a millionaire. He was always willing to listen to everyone and was respectful to all. I am beyond sad now and only hope he didn’t suffer.
David was a friend and mentor to me. He had a knack for cutting to the chase with a few words. He saw the future with clarity. We have lost a rare treasure
My first day/night at WGBH was early 1988. It was my first night in telemarketing. I was going to work two nights a week for a while then return to Nantucket as a commercial fisherman. I had failed at everything else.
I came into the lobby at 114 Western Ave. for the first time. I didn’t own a suit or sports jacket. I still had my red fisherman’s beard. I must have looked lost when a barrel-chested gentleman in a white shirt, with sleeves rolled up and wearing suspenders, approached me. He said “you look lost.” I was. I explained I was looking for the telemarketing room. He said he would escort me there. He did. Once there he shook my hand, wished me well, and thanked me for volunteering. I didn’t catch his name.
George Hauenstein and John Mastrobattista headed up the department and warmly welcomed me to the ranks. Then announced we would have a special visit from the station manager, David Liroff. You guess it — the barrel-chested man with his sleeves rolled up was the man who escorted me to the telemarketing room.
I was fortunate in my 13 years at the station to have many interactions with David and hung on his every word. He loved helping others and anyone could walk into his office unannounced and talk…which I did often!
One of a kind and the very best kind of person that WGBH, the PBS system and Me were fortunate to encounter.
Mark Duffield
I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Grateful for David’s leadership at GBH, his guidance, and support. I will always remember him for his kindness, integrity, curiosity, and wit. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
He was smart, funny, and warm. Taught me a few absolutely critical things that I have used always.
He sat right next to me as we wrote one of WGBH’s early NEH grants together. He knew I was overwhelmed & helped me every step of
the way. He pushed & pulled until people across so many departments gave us the info we needed.
I loved walking with him to the B – School for lunch & discussing all kinds of things as his interests ranged far & wide.
I spent 12 years at GBH, the majority of which was with the Interactive Group. As a fellow big 10 vet, David and I became good friends and I treasured his mentorship and guidance.
Following his retirement, we communicated regularly and he was a constant guide and directional mentor. When he began working at Home Depot, He still helped me with more mundane tasks.
David Liroff was a wonderful person and lead with craft, subtle emotion, and a clear vision for Public Broadcasting.
So sad to hear about David. He was a true technological visionary. A man of true passion and understanding who always took the time to listened to the “ranks.” I will miss him.
So sorry to learn of his passing. David was one of the REALLY good ones.
Sad news. In my few interactions with David I recall a thoughtful and kind man, always smiling and engaged when we spoke. My sympathy to his family and friends.
I remember David fondly.
So sad to read this. He was a loving and gentle person with huge impact on so many of us in public broadcasting and beyond. His talent and kindness will be missed.
Oh, this makes me so very sad. A wonderful mentor, an expert in his field, a teacher…the list goes on. He was warm, caring and very very funny. I have lost count of how many times I have quoted “create once, publish everywhere,” and “platform agnostic!” He was a voice of reason, respect and honesty. They broke the mold when David was born.