Alexandria, VA - Jan 24, 2010 - Former FCC Commissioner James Quello passed away on Jan. 24, 2010, at his home in Alexandria, VA. His career with the FCC began in 1974 when he was appointed to the commission by President Richard Nixon. He served on the Commission until 1997. He served as interim chairman for 11 months in 1993 until the Senate confirmed Reed Hundt as chairman.

Prior to his tenure at the FCC, Commissioner Quello was VP and GM of WJR Detroit. While managing WJR, he served as a Detroit Housing and Urban Renewal Commissioner for 21 years, appointed by four different mayors. He also served for 22 years as a trustee for the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, appointed by Democratic and Republican governors.

He served in the Army during World War II for five years; three of which were overseas in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. He survived six amphibious landings, earned several decorations and campaign ribbons, and rose in rank from lieutenant to lieutenant colonel.

He received more than three dozen telecommunications awards and honors, which he humorously called pre-posthumous awards.

In 1994, he was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of Broadcasters. Commissioner Quello is a former president and Lifetime Achievement Award winner of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, which once introduced him as a cross between Damon Runyon and the Godfather. Quello was born in Larium, MI, April 21, 1914.