Tom Jolls, Buffalo weatherman and ‘Commander Tom Show’ host, dies at 89

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Tom Jolls, the long-time Buffalo weatherman who was also known for playing Commander Tom on a kids TV show that was watched by children in southern Ontario, has died.

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“As a family, we could not be any prouder than we are of his illustrious television career,” his family said in a statement to the Buffalo News after his death at age 89 in hospice care in Cheektowaga.

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“Better yet, he was an even better family man. His brief illness was a blessing, as he did not suffer much and passed away with all his family by his bedside.

“He was a very shy and private man off the air and, as such, we will celebrate his life with a private, family-only service. He will always be our commander. To all his family, friends and fans, he would hope you all make your lives salubrious.”

Canadians may remember Jolls as the affable weatherman on ABC affiliate WKBW-TV, working alongside news anchor Irv Weinstein and sports director Rick Azar. He loved to use the word “salubrious” to describe a pleasant or delightful day.

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“I was very lucky to be part of that team because I know if it wasn’t for Irv and for Rick, we wouldn’t have been anywhere near the top and dominant for so many years,” Jolls told the Buffalo News in 2014. “I always felt I was along for the ride. And it was a great ride.”

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Jolls also starred in the “Commander Tom Show,” which aired weekly during the daytime from December 1965 until 1991. It featured cartoons and puppets Dustmop, a dog, and alligator puppet Matty the Mod.

Ed Conroy, who runs Retrontario, an archive of Ontario television history, shared his thoughts on Jolls’ death.

“R.I.P, Tom Jolls, aka Commander Tom,” he wrote on Instagram. “An absolute television legend. We salute, and thank you! Godspeed.”

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Jim Diodati, mayor of Niagara Falls, Ont., remembered watching Jolls as a child.

“Sad to learn of the passing of popular tv personality, Tom Jolls. He was a charming & kind character for all of us who would faithfully tune in to Channel 7 @WKBW Buffalo to watch the weather, Rocketship 7 & the Commander Tom Show.

“As a kid, I always thought he wore a grey jacket, but didn’t realize it was because we had a black & white tv (with rabbit ears/antennas, before cable). RIP to this local legend.”

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Toronto comedian and voice actor Martha O’Neill offered condolences.

“Tom Jolls was a daily after-school mainstay for most southern Ontario kids. He was like the kindest of uncles. RIP Commander Tom.”

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