Former Emmis Communications Corp. employee Jon Quick is writing a tribute book to the late Tom Severino, vice president and general manager of Emmis’ Indianapolis operations, who lost his battle with lung cancer earlier this year.

Quick, who left Emmis in April to pursue a career as a radio and public relations consultant, worked alongside Severino at Emmis for many years.

Quick said the book will chronicle pranks and practical jokes Severino pulled while working at Emmis.

Severino

“It serves as a treasured memory of a man who believed in working hard, but also believed that life can be even more joyful when laughter is part of your day,” Quick said.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated in Severino’s name to the Riley Children’s Foundation/Cancer Unit. More than 90 percent of children in Indiana with cancer are treated at Riley.

The book will be available in mid-November, and the Web address for pre-orders is www.tomseverinobook.com.

Emmis Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan said the book is an appropriate tribute to Severino.

“Tom was many things—a devoted family man, an innovative leader and broadcaster, a compelling storyteller,” Smulyan said. “As hard as he worked, he always had time to relax and enjoy life. One of his true loves was practical jokes.”

Severino joined Emmis in June 1994 and oversaw the company’s four Indianapolis stations and Network Indiana. His career of more than 30 years in radio included positions as an on-air personality, account executive, retail sales manager, station manager and general manager.