John Begeny, a host and fundraiser for WETA in Washington, D.C., died Aug. 21 after having cancer for a short time. He was 54.
Begeny held the role of executive director of multimedia fundraising at WETA. He started with the station in 1995 as a contractor and was hired in 2001 to lead on-air fundraising. In his roles, he long managed pledge drives for TV services including WETA PBS and WETA UK, as well as for the station’s classical radio station.
In addition, Begeny co-hosted If You Lived Here, which highlights homes and communities in the D.C. region. Begeny and his co-host Christine Wolski received the Best Program Host award at this year’s Capital Emmy Awards.
“He was a cherished colleague, known for his enthusiasm, occasional pranks, creative ideas and warm laugh,” said his Washington Post obituary.
“In addition to having very strong business acumen and driving innovation, John was also a Jack-of-all-trades,” said Jeff Regen, WETA’s VP of membership marketing and development services, in an email. Begeny produced local history and cultural pledge shows such as Washington Cherry Blossoms: A Gift of Friendship, Homefront: WWII in Washington, Discovering Alexandria, Discovering Washington: The 4th of July and Arlington: Heroes, History, and Hamburgers.
“He was extremely creative and did most of the graphics himself,” Regen said.
Born Sept. 23, 1968, in Rockville, Md., Begeny was the son of the late Donald and Nancy Zahn Begeny. He grew up in Ellicott City, Md., where he graduated from Mt. Hebron High School, and went on to the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a degree in business.
Begeny began his early career in the restaurant business and went on to develop an interest in television. He took production classes at Arlington Independent Media in Virginia and produced Video Adventures, a popular program. He was an assistant to the director on the film Boiler Room and an extra in the original 1988 version of Hairspray.
“John was an incomparably loving and kind soul with a unique sense of humor and love of life,” his obituary said. “His positive spirit was infectious, and he could easily make anyone smile.”
Begeny is survived by his sister Lynda Manning (Jim) of Westminster, Md.; brother Mark Begeny (Donna) of McLean, Va; six nieces and nephews, Katelin Manning Harwood (Tim), Hannah Manning, Luke Manning, Abigail Manning, John (“Cal”) Begeny and Jack Begeny; and great-niece Olivia Harwood. He is also survived by twenty-six Begeny and Zahn family cousins, a handful of aunts, and one uncle, Jim Eales. He was predeceased by his nephew, Christopher Manning.
A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Hirshberg Foundation, Arlington Independent Media, WETA or a charity of your choice.
May John’s memory be a blessing for all who remember him.
How sad – – John was truly one of the not merely good – but truly great guys. His light and spirit and energy was a blessing to us all. I’ll miss him – his laughter, his ease and his love for what we all do as fundraisers in the system. He always made me laugh – always. Farewell my friend – your light will always shine!
Wow….sad news,just watched the WETA show “If You Lived Here ” minutes ago & saw the note on his passing!! I really enjoyed this show & I guess it’s too soon to know if it will continue in his absence.He seemed like a nice & personable guy & I know he’ll be missed…rip….!!
I know of John from his wonderful program with his friend and colleague, Christine, ‘If You Lived Here’. Their interaction, friendship and upbeat spirit always lifted my own spirits and left me with a smile on my face. I can see how he was a great friend to people who knew him because I would have wanted him as a friend myself.
Just watched also. So sad. John was such an effervescent and engaging personality. He will be missed.
RIP
Wow. He was only my daughter’s age. And watching If You Lived Here, you had no idea he was ill. What a talent! He is already missed. Condolences to all who loved him. Hope his dog is with other relatives. Dogs mourn too.
I was shocked about seeing the photo of John at the end of tonight’s program and that he died. I hope you continua this program because it is a lot of fun and I learned a lo about the DC area history. He will be missed and May he rest in peace.
Oh no, I am so sad. Like the writer before me, I just witnessed the last line of “If you Lived Here”, in which I learned about his death. I absolutely love(d) the repartee he had with Tina. So authentic and clever but very real. I will miss him so much. Thank you for the light brought to us all, John.
Rest in peace and power. You’re smile and humor will not long be forgotten.
It was such a shock to hear of John’s death. I loved the program he co-hosted with Tina “If you lived here.” The program was very educational. To his family and friends you have my deepest of sympathy.
I was shocked when I learned of John’s passing. John will be missed and mourned by his family, Chris, his colleagues, fans and the many people whose lives he touched. RIP John.
I too loved the show If You Lived Here and John’s light and spirit he brought to the show. May God bless you John, your family and many friends. We will miss you!
So sad to hear of John’s passing. He gave so many fun shows with Christine and he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family, Christine and PBS family.
I am saddened to learn of John’s passing after watching the show. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. 😔
Oh, my. What a shock tonight to see the memorial line about John’s passing on If you lived here. His enthusiasm and kind of lightness of life was so refreshing. May he rest in peace.
So sad! Shocked to hear. He looked very kind. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear this evening of John’s passing. I have enjoyed watching him with Tina on If You Lived Here very much. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
It’s been a few weeks since I learned of John’s passing. I can’t stop thinking of how he will be sorely missed. I had come to look forward to seeing him and Christine on episodes of the show. Mi kind of hope the show will continue but on the other hand, it won’t be the same without him. May he rest in peace. 🙏🏾