Popular CT Television News Reporter Departs Station

CONNECTICUT — Patricia Del Rio, the longtime television news reporter for WFSB - Channel 3, announced this week that she's leaving the station after eight-and-a-half years.

Del Rio wrote in a lengthy Facebook post she decided to resign from her job to spend more time with her family. She noted that her daughter, who was in kindergarten when she joined WFSB in 2016, will enter high school this year.

"I'm keenly aware these next 4 years are the most time she will be with us for probably the rest of our lives. Once she goes off to college, has a job, spouse, kids of her own...it all changes," Del Rio wrote. "I'm focused now on really being there for her and pursuing a career that offers a good work/home life balance."

Del Rio called WFSB "a special place with dedicated and hardworking people," and she expressed pride in the many stories she covered during her time in CT, which earned her several journalism awards.

"I could not have done that without the help of all of the news team," Del Rio added. "This business is, was and always will be about teamwork."

One thing Del Rio said she enjoyed the most during her time at WFSB was taking on the role of mentor, especially after the sudden death of WFSB anchor Denise D'Ascenzo in 2019.

"She was always so encouraging and believed in helping the next generation grow and hone their journalistic skills. I have loved helping many of the younger people there and watching them grow...including the ones who have since moved on from Channel 3 and are on their career trajectories in other markets.," Del Rio added.

According to her bio, Del Rio previously worked as a reporter and anchor at KTLA in Los Angeles, where she was the first LA-based correspondent to report live from Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. Del Rio worked at WPIX in New York from 2005 to 2009, then moved to CT to start a family.

It's unclear what Del Rio will do next, although she mentioned perhaps exploring public speaking coaching, voice over work, a PR career or even teaching.

"I'm excited about the future and new beginnings," she wrote, thanking the viewers for their support.

"You mean the world to me. I hope you’ll continue to keep in touch on my page. I’ll be giving updates on my journey for what’s next in chapter two of my life. As we say in TV, stay tuned."