There are few things as reliably joyful as Tom Magliozzi’s laugh. It’s infectious. As I make my way to the market on Sunday mornings, Car Talk lifts up my day, and even in reruns, it has never failed. I didn’t know that brothers Tom and Ray, aka Click and Clack, both graduated from MIT. But it’s not surprising. The show was folksy, but whip smart. My heart opened whenever I listened to Car Talk and it broke hearing the sad news today. Here’s a great idea: In honor of Tom’s passing, the family suggests making a donation to NPR.
A tribute cartoon by David Sipress
Tom, Ray and Car Talk are legend in the Boston area. We claim them as native sons. I’ll not forget David Ortiz, a Red Sox superstar, referencing Car Talk in an interview. Shows the range of their impact and how beloved they are. Boston and beyond shed a tear today. And, yes, the laugh is unforgettable.
Jules, did you ever get to their auto repair shop (or know anyone who did?)
Never got to their shop but one of my friends has. He had an almost classic car and they diagnosed a problem that had stumped many excellent mechanics. He adored the experiences and many years later will retell the story despite all of us having heard it many times. I never tire hearing of the goodwill and humor spread with their mechanical acumen. I have a soft spot for honest smart mechanics. Tom and Ray shatter any expectations I could conjure.
Lucky friend. I would enjoy hearing that story myself.
We will miss him, sweet man!
Making people laugh – what a legacy.
I too was so saddened by this news. I wish for peace for his family as he will surely be missed. Oh, how these guys brought a smile to my face on the weekends. There have been weekends that I was travelling out of the country or for whatever other reason I cldn’t listen to my normal weekend NPR line-up, and when I was back the next weekend, it was like being greeted by old friends. I know the show was playing archives for the last couple of years, and they never elaborated on Tom’s declining health. I suspect they wanted us listeners to remember him just like he was on the show. I agree Wendy, what a legacy.
The shows were so timeless. The only clue that they were reruns was the vintage of the cars being discussed.