Facebook Jerry Taft.
Former meteorologist Jerry Taft, who worked at ABC7 Chicago for more than 30 years and was an iconic and beloved figure on local television, has died at 77 years old.
The Chicago station reported that Taft “died peacefully” Thursday night, July 24, while surrounded by family members.
Taft began working for ABC7 in 1984 and retired in January 2018.
We are mourning the loss of Jerry Taft, who served as a meteorologist at ABC7 for 33 years. He was 77.
Colleagues and other broadcast personalities took to social media early Friday morning to share their tributes. His name was trending on Twitter.
Here’s everything you need to know about Jerry Taft:
1. Colleagues Remembered Taft’s ‘Infectious Laugh’
In tributes, friends and colleagues recalled Taft’s positive personality.
“I had the privilege of working along side him for more than 20 years,” FOX 32 meteorologist Mike Caplan wrote on Facebook. “His infectious laugh and frequent giggles on air were legendary and endeared him to his audience and friends.”
Tracy Butler, the station’s current meteorologist, tweeted, “It is with a very heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear Jerry Taft with you. Jerry was instrumental in my coming to @ABC7Chicago. I can hear that laugh. Wow…I can hear that laugh. Miss you, pal. My deepest sympathy to his family.”
Viewers also weighed in on social media. “Chicago icon This is so sad we really missed Jerry after his retirement He kept us safe during storms with his spot on minute by minute updates He had a great sense of humor,” wrote one. “If you’re a Chicagoan and not sad over this….bruh idk. He made me WANT to watch the weather and I remember watching him for years as a kid until he retired. RIP Jerry,” wrote another.
2. Taft Was an Air Force Captain Who Got His Start in San Antonio Television
It is with a very heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear Jerry Taft with you. Jerry was instrumental in my coming to @ABC7Chicago I can hear that laugh. Wow…I can hear that laugh. Miss you, pal. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Taft started out with a very different career: He was in the military, specifically serving as an Air Force captain. Television led him to a different calling, however.
According to ABC 7, the two careers intertwined. Flying planes made him interested in the weather and, in turn, the field of metereology. The television station described how Taft took a San Antonio television metereologist “up for a publicity flight for the military” but he ended up putting Taft on air himself.
“They said we’ll give you fourteen-fifty. I figured $1,450 a month, bought new suits. It was $14.50 a show. Got my first check, it was $62,” he said to the television station.
3. Taft Worked at Chicago’s NBC Affiliate For 7 Years Before ABC7
Enjoy your #abc7chicago #LaborDayWeekend forecast. Chance of rain – a sprinkle late Saturday & a storm Monday #ilwx
Taft spent 7 years as a weather anchor for WMAQ-TV before switching to ABC7 in 1984, Patch reported.
In 2005, the meteorologist was inducted into the Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, according to Chicago blogger Robert Feder.
Feder described Taft in his latest post as “a trusted and engaging presence as a top meteorologist on Chicago television and radio for more than 40 years.”
4. After Taft Retired, He moved to Florida & Worked as a Part-Time Uber Driver
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Robert Feder reported that Taft retired in January 2018, telling his ABC7 colleagues:
While I still have my health, wit and vitality it’s time to hang out with my real family, assuming they still remember me. And I also need to hit the golf course while I still have a single digit handicap.
The former weatherman then moved to Naples, Florida, where he worked part-time for Uber, the Chicago Sun-Times disclosed.
The newspaper claimed Taft earned $84.61 on his first day, but wasn’t in it for the money.
“It’s not about the money — it’s about getting out of the house and talking to people,” he told the newspaper.
5. Taft Leaves Behind a Wife & Four Children, Including One Named Storm
10 years ago…
Taft was a married father of four. “Jerry is survived by his wife Shana and his children Skylar, Storm, Dana and Jay,” ABC 7 reported.
His Twitter page describes him as, “Former ABC7 Chicago meteorologist. Spent 42 years on Chicago TV. Air Force pilot, husband, father, golfer and Uber driver.”
I’m fine. Stay healthy. Stay away from Giangreco!
In 2019, he proudly touted the fact his son had graduated from the University of Chicago.
My son’s graduation from Univ of Chicago yesterday. Congrats Storm!!!!
His last tweet came on April 3. “I’m fine. Stay healthy. Stay away from Giangreco!” he wrote.
Other than the statement that he died peacefully, the cause of death for Taft was not given.
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Jerry Taft Dead: TV Meteorologist Dies at Age 77