Tom grew up in Cleveland and started his radio career fresh out of Murray State University in 1973, taking to the airwaves as the morning voice and news director of WRWR in Port Clinton, Ohio. That beginning launched a more than 30-year broadcasting career including two stops in Indianapolis. He managed WIRE, WXTZ and Network Indiana then left for stations in Chicago, Detroit, and Cincinnati. Returning to Emmis Communications in 1994, he then led WIBC, WLHK, WFNI, WYXB and Network Indiana. Tom and his stations won many Marconi Awards, . Locally, he is best remembered by his employees for being a beloved leader.he served on boards and committees for Indianapolis and Central Indiana nonprofit organizations and oversaw the development of programs raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. After a 5-month battle with cancer, Severino died July 5, 2009. He was 57.