After 31 Years, 'Dickie' Retires
POSTED: 12:06 pm EST February 15,
2009
UPDATED: 5:14 pm EST February 27,
2009
Dick Albert, WCVB’s longtime co-chief meteorologist, presented his last weather forecast on Thursday night.Albert, known as “Dickie” by millions of viewers, thanked the many viewers who had contacted him since he announced his retirement earlier this month."I want to thank everyone out there who e-mailed me, sent me letters, called me on the phone. I just connected with so many people. It has been a wonderful experience," he said.
In his 31-year tenure at WCVB, Albert, 64, was the dean of New England’s meteorologists.Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared Feb. 26 as "Dick Albert Day" in Boston. Albert, who was roasted at a newsroom celebration after his last broadcast, received many accolades in his storied career, including multiple regional Emmys. He was recognized with the prestigious Silver Circle Award for Lifetime Achievement by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2004.
Albert was voted the second most popular weathercaster in the nation by “Television/Radio Age” in 1987. His work contributed to countless station-wide honors, including Associated Press, RTNDA Edward R. Murrow and National Headliner Awards. In addition to daily forecasting, Albert worked on children’s specials such as “Use Your Smarts,” and the educational vehicle, “Albert’s Weather Wagon.” He traveled the country, doing many special news series and stories, including features on Mt. Washington’s weather, tornado alley, the Blizzard of ’78, the 1953 Worcester tornado and New England hurricanes. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family. I look forward to spending more time with them and my friends. I’m also excited to pursue other interests including oil painting, tennis and lifelong learning,” Albert said.Longtime close friend and co-chief meteorologist Harvey Leonard will take on Albert’s duties at 5 and 6 p.m. “I’m not going away. Everyone knows that I am passionate about the weather. It’s not only my vocation, but my lifelong avocation," said Albert, one of the most recognized and beloved personalities in local television."As much as I will miss my Channel 5 colleagues and the legions of New England viewers, I will be out in the community, speaking and teaching. I’m also developing a website, www.DickAlbert.com to continue to share my love of the weather.”
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Watch Dick Sign Off From WCVB
