Dick Fletcher, WTSP-Ch. 10 meteorologist, has died

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Officials at local CBS affiliate WTSP-Ch. 10 have confirmed that meteorologist Dick Fletcher died early this morning after suffering a stroke at his home last week.

The 65-year-old meteorologist, who was considered the dean of local forecasters with a nearly 30-year tenure in the market, never recovered from a stroke suffered in his home on Feb. 18. Initially, the station offered hope that Fletcher might rebound quickly as he did after his first stroke in November 2003, which kept him off the air just a few weeks. But Fletcher died at 4:30 a.m. today at St. Anthony's Hospital.

Hundreds of well-wishers have offered condolences through the station's Web site and cards sent to the CBS station. Fletcher's wife Cindy declined to speak with the St. Petersburg Times Tuesday; he is also survived by three adult children.

"We've lost a legend," said WTSP President and General Manager Sam Rosenwasser. "People counted on Dick Fletcher for their weather. He really did touch a lot of lives and he will be missed tremendously."

WTSP news director Darren Richards was juggling phone calls from reporters while assembling material  for a special 10 a.m. tribute and segments throughout the CBS affiliate's newscasts today.

"Dick was an icon in this market -- and his impact goes beyond the Tampa market to all the young meteorologists he helped train and inspire," said Richards. "The guy was encyclopedic in his memory -- not just about the weather, but about everything in the market. And if he didn't know the answer he would try to find the answer."

A native of Omaha, Neb., Fletcher joined WTSP as the station's first chief meteorologist in 1980 after stints in Texas and Colorado, when the then-ABC affiliate decided to get serious about the news, said Fletcher's longtime friend and co-worker, WTSP reporter Mike Deeson. Fletcher, a former news anchor, was part of a new breed of local TV weathermen who concentrated more on delivering solid forecasts than serving as comic relief or delivering jokes.

WTVT-Ch. 13 anchor John Wilson was hired as a news anchor at WTSP one year after Fletcher in 1981. Wilson remembered that the weatherman insisted the station set aside large parts of a planned Labor Day telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1985, when a hurricane named Elena looked as if it might get close to the Tampa Bay area.

Elena wound up stalled off the Gulf Coast for three days. Fletcher turned in a marathon performance, spending long hours updating viewers on the storm's progress, gaining a huge local following in the process.

"He could be incredibly blunt when talking about the weather," Wilson recalled. "There was no question when Dick told us something was coming, whether it was going to happen. He wouldn't stand and shout in the newsroom. But he would say 'This is going to happen. If you don't pay attention, then don't blame me.'"

Indeed, Fletcher once offered a "3-degree-guarantee," giving a Ch. 10 mug or t-shirt to a lucky viewer if his forecasts were off more than 3 degrees. Later, he presented "Weather Whys," answering questions from viewers on air about weather issues.

"There wasn't any other competition in the Roy Leep era until Dick Fletcher came along," said WTVT weatherman Howard Shapiro, referring to WTVT's immensely popular weatherman, who retired in 1997. "You don't stay in the top spot in a station as long as he did without people having confidence in what you say. (WTSP) didn't bring him in to be a funny guy -- you knew he knew his business."

Deeson, Fletcher's friend for 26 years, recalled his friend as someone who might seem crusty on the outside, but was a good friend at heart. Knowledgeable over a wide range of subjects "he was not the kind of guy you could have a short conversation with," noted Deeson. "He didn't like lazy people and he didn't suffer fools gladly. I'll miss him a lot."

He received numerous awards and recognitions, including a national award for Outstanding Service by a Broadcast Meteorologist from the American Meteorological Society in 1987, the Media Award from the Governor's Hurricane Conference in 1993 and the distinguished service award from the National Hurricane Conference in 2003.

"I can't count the storms that Dick has been on the air for endless hours, but it sometimes would cut into his life," wrote Deeson in a tribute to Fletcher. "I'm not sure what storm it was, but Cindy had planned a birthday party. We were all at Cindy and Dick's house as he kept checking the computer and said he had to leave his own party, because the storm was heading our way. Dick was the first to go and slowly we all ended up leaving the party and reassembling at the station for another weekend of storm duty."

WTSP anchor Reginald Roundtree remembered how Fletcher kept tracking Hurricane Charley on air in 2004, even as the approaching storm forced the station to evacuate its St. Petersburg studio and broadcast from a county-owned public access studio in Clearwater. "He just had one radar loop, and explained (the storm) like he had a whole symphony of equipment behind him," said Roundtree. "I remember him telling me, 'Every time I think about leaving (during storm coverage), I think about that older couple in Pinellas Park who is hanging on my every word. And I stay.'"

Fletcher also spent time in the community educating school children, business groups, senior citizens and others on the importance of preparing for tough weather. He was also involved with the station's efforts to collect school supplies for needy children and support research for breast cancer and heart disease.

He could be a private man, spare with details about his personal life. Several co-workers noted that he was a heavy smoker who quit the habit after his first stroke in 2003. Roundtree recalled Fletcher's close connection to wife Cindy, who he met while she was working in WTSP's sales department, noting that the weather man called her every night after the 6 p.m. broadcast ended.

"I guess the hardest part is understanding that he was so athletic," Roundtree said during WTSPs 10 a.m. memorial. Fletcher loved sports and played tennis with a passion.

"He was a great tennis player," said Mike Mayo, a St. Petersburg a public affairs and political consultant who played tennis with Fletcher on Sunday nights at Northshore Courts. "I think I beat him once, and I think it was probably the highlight of my life."

Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto, a friendly rival from Tampa's Fox station WTVT-TV Channel 13, appeared on WTSP's tribute. He said he saw Fletcher a few times a year at weather conventions. Fletcher always had a story - he spared no detail. Once, Fletcher told Dellegatto about a backhand tennis lob he was working on, down the 85-degree angle.

"He would just go on and on and on," Dellegatto said, laughing.

During WTSP's tribute, friends described a man intensely knowledgeable about everything, especially the weather, sports and religion. He was opinionated and didn't sugar coat things.

"He was never shy about expressing his opinions," said Channel 10 anchor Dave Wirth. "That's one of the things I loved about him."

Hundreds of well-wishers have offered condolences through the station's Web site and cards sent to the CBS station since Fletcher's stroke last week. WTSP officials kept Fletcher's family aware of the outpouring from fans, taking cards and email printouts over to the hospital.

"Dick was one of the true leaders at our station," said Rosenwasser in a statement from Channel 10. "We all learned from him. He made us better. And we will miss him terribly."

Two foundations have been selected by Fletcher's Dick's wife, Cindy, for those who wish to make donations in his memory. One fund will help to fund programs at the Pinellas Education Foundation selection by Cindy, another will provide scholarships at the University of South Florida.

The Dick Fletcher Memorial Fund
The Pinellas Education Foundation
12090 Starkey Road
Largo, FL 33773
Note on the check:  Dick Fletcher Memorial Fund

The Dick Fletcher Memorial Scholarship Fund at USF

Make checks payable to:
The USF Foundation, Inc.
Attn:  Julie Benson
4202 East Fowler Ave.-CPR 107
Tampa, FL  33620
Note on the Check:  Dick Fletcher Scholarship Fund

(Editor's Note: Many thanks to various Times staffers, including Tom Scherberger, Leonora LaPeter and Karen McAllister, who contributed reporting as I worked to file and update this blog post from North Carolina, where I flew last night to appear at a civil rights conference.)

Comments

[justme]

My Deepest Sympathy to the Fletcher Family and his WTSP-Channel 10 Family. The Tampa Bay area lost a wonderful man and he will be missed.

[Samantha]

I am SO sorry, I really enjoyed watching him....He will really be missed!!!

Descanse en paz,señor Fletcher

[Madeline and Rick Verity]

We are so saddened by the news of the lose of Dick Fletcher. The forecasts were so important to our lives here in Florida. We counted on Dick to go boating or when Rick needed to fly, he always looked at what Dick had to say as well as his aviation weather tracking.
The daily weather news has not been the same without Fletch. We will miss him. God Bless his family and loved ones.
Madeline and Rick Verity

[Vaughan Family]

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fletcher Family - Dick was an icon in Tampa Bay - we have all lost a wonderful man and we are glad to have had him for so long. May God bring peace to you at this difficult time.

[Michael]

Dick was the epitome of TV meteorologists and a joy to watch! He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends. I am certain he had many.

[Kym]

My condolences to his family as well as his Ch. 10 family. He will be sadly missed by the entire Tampa Bay area as well as those of us whose families have watched when they've come to visit. He was always the one I counted on for an accurate forecast. There will never be anyone like him and no one will be able to take his place. He is now God's meterologist and will be looking down on all of us! Just remember, when it rains, those will be his tears showering down on us.
God Bless his famiy both at home as well as the station.

[B.]

My sincere condolences to Dick's family and coworkers. He will truly be missed--I always liked his calming, reassuring way of delivering the weather, especially during hurricane season. God bless him.

A fan

[Meredith]

What a sad loss. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, and you could tell he cared about his work. Condolences to his loved ones and all at Ch. 10. He will be missed.

[Jim]

My wife was in the delivery room back in 1985 when Hurricane Elena turned toward the West Florida coastline. People were being evacuated into the hospital. The rain was going past the window sideways. It was a scary situation. We tuned the TV to Ch. 10 and Dick Fletcher. He was someone you could trust. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[Mike]

May God bless his soul!

[Jim]

My wife was in the delivery room back in 1985 when Hurricane Elena turned toward the West Florida coastline. People were being evacuated into the hospital. The rain was going past the window sideways. It was a scary situation. We tuned the TV to Ch. 10 and Dick Fletcher. He was someone you could trust. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[Patrick]

That face and that voice will always be synonymous with the finest meteorologist, in my book.

[Bob]

Eric, spell check is your friend.

[Anthony]

I remember Dick Fletcher's forecasts when I was a kid. I met him @ a field trip to WTSP studios for my Intro to Mass Comm class @ SPJC. He was not boring & had such a trusting characteristic about him. He will be missed by MANY!!!

[k]

I have never seen a meteorologist put such a conscientious effort into his work. His voice was the only reassurance I had when it came to his reporting the sometimes very unpredictable acts of mother nature.

My condolences to his family, friends and God bless.

[David]

I loved the way Dick Fletcher worked the hurricanes. He had a passion for what he did and it came across when he was on the air. He will be missed!

[Cheryl]

Dick Fletcher will always be an icon and may he always remembered as professional who made a difference in so many lives.

Cheryl Lassiter
Austin Texas

My best wishes to his family..what a great loss this is.

[Rodger]

He was the Ultimate first rate individual.

[reader]

condolences to his family and friends.

[Big Ed in CLW]

I grew up planning my weekends around Dick Fletchers' forecasts. Today, I lost someone that was part of my life for over 20 years. Dick's priority was to get us the forcast fast, but most of all get it right. I never had the chance to thank him in person, but I hope he hears this now. Dick, we all thank you for the years, the dedication and the care you spent bringing us not only the great days in our forcast, but the days we needed to be aware of. Our thoughts to your family at home and at WTSP. You will live on with every beautiful sunset!

biged@tantalk1340.com

[mac]

He will be missed. I find local news anchors to be extremely annoying, but Mr. Fletcher was a joy to watch. His tv personality was classic.

[I Hill]

My deepest sympathy for your great loss, he will be missed by many
other than his family also, as a
person relied upon for information
on our dangerous weather conditions
from time to time. My prayers are
dedicated for the repose of his soul.

[Marvin Blair]

I will truley miss Dick, he was an awsome meterologist. I will miss his forcast that i prepair for every day. God bless his family and his co-workers at channel 10 news. He will be the best meterologist in heaven.

[Marvin Blair]

I will miss Dick, he was an awesome meteorologist.I looked forward to watching his forecast everyday because i knew that he was right on the money. God bless his family and all of his co-workers at channel 10 news. Dick, you are now the best meteorologist in heaven. GOD BLESS YOU AND SO LONG FOR NOW.

[Tonka61]

This is such a shame. He was almost iconic. The Andy Hardy of weather, if you will. God Bless Dick Fletcher.

[Donn & carole Reading]

Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends it was always a pleasure watching him and he had such a mild manner about him and a great smile. He will be missed alot.

[Joshua]

We are saddened by the news of Dick Fletcher's passing. I remember back in 1985 Labor Day when Hurricane Elena threaten our area and the only weather person that was on air during that whole week was Mr. Fletcher. Since then the ONLY weather forcast that I depend was Mr. Fletcher's forecast. Mr. Fletcher will be greatly miss. The 6:00 pm and 11pm weather forecast will never be the same.

[Corey]

A loss of a great man! My deepest condolences to his family. I remember meeting Dick when he came to my middle school (that was over 15 years ago) he will be greatly missed!

[San Diego, CA Mac]

The Loss Is Felt 2,500 Miles Away!! A Life is a Life..... And his was a GREAT ONE... His family should know he was a legend and is still loved 2,500 miles away... And will remain in our hearts and prayers for EVER.....Tampa is not the same....R.I.P weatherman... May you go where the weather is always PERFECT....God Bless...

[mixter]

from South Florida, I remember him as a solid weatherman, and no hype, just facts. Truly a loss for all who liked this man and another good one goes to heaven way too soon. Rest in Peace

[Chris]

Along with Roy Leep...the best this market has seen. Shame to lose such a class act in this way. :(

RIP

God speed . . .

[Pamela J. Cox]

Heaven's weather forecast "today" is PERFECT, because you're there Mr. Dick Fletcher.
We were so blessed to have you for 28 years keeping us safe, and now you are in the safest place... "HEAVEN"
God Bless

Pamela J. Cox
Sarasota County

[Lori]

We will miss Fletch very much. My thoughts and prayers to his wife Cindy and family. He's up in Heaven now doing the weather for all the Angels!
God Bless........

[ray samori]

He'll be missed
ray

[ray samori]

He'll be missed
ray

[The Jung's]

Our Deepest Condolences to the Fletcher Family. He will be surely missed by all his viewers, friends & family.

[drew]

Mr Fletcher was a fixture in my family's tv for many years--God Bless you and your family.

[Ruth and Drew Finn]

A sad day for everyone in Tampa Bay when we heard of Dick Fletcher's passing. There are very few people you meet who touch so many lives in such a good way, and Fletch was one of them. We have been watching his braodcasts since he began back in 1980 and the TV weather around here will never be the same again. All our thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy and his entire family, as well as all the people of Channel 10 who were lucky enough to work with Fletch and call him their friend. God bless you Fletch - you were loved and will be missed.

[Jon]

Mr. Fletcher was a wonderful man. My wife and I got to know him through his progams at my wife's library. He and his weather forecasts were a part of our family and will miss him dearly. Weather on Bay Area TV will not be the same.

[Millie in New Port RIchey]

I am so saddened by Dick Fletcher's passing. He always reminded me of my younger brother with his mannerisms. He will be missed as he truly was a wonderful person and husband and father.