Arthur Furtado

Born Dec. 19, 1930, Somerville, Mass to immigrant parents from San Miguel, Azores, Portugal, Manuel & Mary Picques Furtado. The last surviving and youngest of 6 children, Mary, Jean, Al, Helen and Nellie. Many of you got to meet his sister Jean who passed away in March 2016 at 100 years old. Art helped care for her in her final years and called her his “kid sister.” Art was patriotic and served in the U.S. Air Force 1948-1952 during the Korean War. (He proudly flew the American flag in his yard daily.) He graduated with a diploma in Radio/TV/English from Curry College, Boston and attended a year of pre-law at Suffolk University, Boston. Art began his career in broadcasting in 1955 and continued blessing the community with his beautiful voice until his death. His 61-year career included stints as an Announcer/Disc Jockey, Program Director, Operation Mgr, Sales Mgr, Station Mgr and Senior Account Manager. He loved different people and places and worked in Boston, Mass; New Hampshire; Virginia; Charlotte, N.C.; New Orleans, LA; and Palmdale, CA. During his 6 decades in Radio Broadcasting he experienced the dramatic changes in the broadcasting business from the Golden Age of radio (soap operas, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby) to the advent of Personality Radio (disc jockeys & “shock jocks” including Don Imus.) His tenure also saw many different genres of radio and music (rock and roll, country, rhythm and blues, classic rock, Hispanic, news, talk and event coverage.) He was part of ground-breaking broadcasting in the Antelope Valley, including the first classic rock station, the first Hispanic radio station and the entire automation of radio station protocols. In 2009, Art retired from the broadcasting aspect and formed a consulting company/agency (CHTC Marketing) with Henry Schindel. Until his passing, he continued to work directly with local business owners; writing copy, creating & producing on-air commercials, print ads and advertising campaigns. In 1961, while both working for radio stations in Charlotte, North Carolina, he married Barbara Anne (Bobbie) King. In 1963 they gave birth to son, Arthur W. Furtado Jr (Jay), a talented musician and entertainer who lives in the Los Angeles area.  Art excitedly responded to an opportunity to work at a new radio station “near Hollywood” in Palmdale California, where the young family settled and in 1965 gave birth to daughter Jill, who currently resides in Palmdale and serves as a Realtor. Living in the Antelope Valley for over 50 years, Art developed many special friendships (his California family). He was always involved and supportive of his community, including the formation of the original Palmdale Optimist Club of which he was a past President. He was a long time member of the Elks, American Legion, and Chambers of Commerce. He enjoyed hosting many broadcasts for the Valley’s parades, community pageants, festivals, AV Fair, business openings and other events. He’s been a long- time volunteer of the Sheriff Boosters and has been a board member of the Palmdale Sheriff Boosters since its inception. The past few years, Art served on the 7 member Palmdale Sheriff Station Community Advisory Committee and was just on the front page of the AV Press on July 12th highlighting this wonderful group and their commitment to the community. A special highlight for Art, was his experience of being associated with the development of our aeronautics industry and flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base and Plant 42. Over the past 50 years, he has covered the news and events of various flight tests, milestones, aircraft, pilots and Air Force servicemen and women. He interviewed heroes including Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, Col. Pete Knight, astronauts and pilots; as well as covering the roll outs of the Space Shuttle, B70, SR71, B1, B2 etc. At a recent local air show he was thrilled to be photographed with Chuck Yeager. Due to his past service in the USAF and love of aeronautics, it’s no surprise that he has been a board member and supporter of Edwards Air Force Base through the Civilian Military (CivMil) Support Group for many years, continuing until his passing. He will be honored with a special Lifetime Membership Award this month. Art was dedicated to his work-outs and every year on his birthday did his age in push-ups (until he had shoulder surgery at age 82.) Art was an avid golfer and member of AV Country Club where he made 3 holes in one.  He even made it to the Masters in 2013 and couldn’t believe that the grass was real.  Art was forever youthful and energetic, healthy, positive, curious, and loved people of all ages.  Although he was “old school” in ethics, integrity, manners and business relationships, he was always open to learning, growing and being the best he could be. He commented that his daily motivation was to “help someone.”