Legendary KTVU Anchor Dennis Richmond Passes Away at 81

Legendary KTVU Anchor Dennis Richmond Passes Away at 81

Dennis Richmond, the iconic KTVU anchorman who became a household name over four decades, passed away at the age of 81.

The Highlights

• Dennis Richmond, the Bay Area's most recognizable news anchor, died at 81 on Wednesday.
• He was one of the first Black anchors to lead a major market TV newscast in the United States.
• Richmond, who retired in 2008, was deeply associated with Channel 2 long after his retirement.

Friends confirmed that Richmond passed away in Grass Valley, California, with his wife, Deborah, by his side. She held his hand until the end.

"Dennis was a powerful presence in the KTVU newsroom for decades, setting high standards for himself and his colleagues," said KTVU General Manager Mellynda Hartel. "His legacy is still felt here today."

KTVU Assistant News Director Darren Zulberti remembered Richmond as a mentor who later became a close friend, emphasizing his advice to always treat viewers with respect and provide clear, thoughtful news coverage, especially during difficult times.

Julie Haener, Richmond's longtime co-anchor, described the loss as devastating. She visited him two months ago after he suffered a heart attack and fall. "He was a fighter," she said, "and this news will hit people hard."

Richmond was known for his calm demeanor in the face of crises, offering stability and clarity when the Bay Area needed it most. His trademark style included sharp suits and a thick mustache.

One of the country’s first Black anchors at a major market TV station, Richmond joined KTVU in 1976 as a clerk and rose to anchor by the same year. He retired in 2008, just days before his 65th birthday. During his time at KTVU, he co-anchored with notable figures like Barbara Simpson, Elaine Corral, and Leslie Griffith, who passed away in 2022. Under his leadership, KTVU's Ten O'Clock News became the Bay Area’s most-watched newscast—a title it continues to hold.

Richmond's impact transcended local news. "I remember growing up watching Dennis Richmond on the news," said former Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin. "He set the standard for journalistic excellence and integrity."

Even years after his retirement, the name KTVU often brings up memories of Richmond. In 2008, The San Francisco Chronicle published an article calling him "bigger than Oprah." In 2016, he even appeared in a limited edition Bay Area-themed wallpaper created by The Lonely Island and artist Matt Ritchie, which included local icons like rappers Too $hort and E-40, chef Alice Waters, and football legend Joe Montana.

Richmond covered some of the Bay Area's most historic events, including the 1976 kidnapping of Patricia Hearst, the 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm.

Longtime viewer Mark Chekal, now residing in Berkeley, recalled watching Richmond on TV during the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake. "Dennis was always the go-to source for everything we needed to know," Chekal said.

Richmond also shared his personal experiences with viewers, from anchoring a segment on the disco craze to revealing his own journey of quitting smoking. His adventurous side showed when he reported from a helicopter or flew with the Blue Angels.

Born in Rossford, Ohio, Richmond served in the Army from 1961 to 1964 with the 82nd Airborne Division. He later graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 1969 on a scholarship offered while working at KTVU.

He is survived by his wife, daughter, and stepson. After retiring, he and Deborah moved to Grass Valley in Nevada County, where Richmond enjoyed staying active with tennis, nature shows, and a healthy lifestyle.

Throughout his career and in his personal life, Richmond's enduring influence on Bay Area journalism will never be forgotten.

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