Iconic CT Meteorologist Announces Retirement

CONNECTICUT — Bruce DePrest, the iconic meteorologist at WFSB-TV, announced Monday that he will retire at the end of the year, capping a 43-year career reporting Connecticut's weather, 37 of those years at the Hartford-based station.

This past summer, DePrest cut back on his hours to spend more time with his family, and gave up reporting the weather for the 11 p.m. news program. At the time, he said he was not retiring, but has since had a change of heart.

"I'm so proud Channel 3 has been my only TV home," DePrest said in a video announcing his retirement, which features a rebroadcast of the late Denise D'Ascenzo's tribute to DePrest on his 40th anniversary in the industry. "It's very unusual, and I'm so honored to be WFSB's longest-serving anchor. I've worked with so many talented and amazing people along the way, and I have also developed lasting friendships, and that's why this was not an easy decision to make."

DePrest began his career with the now-defunct Travelers Weather Service in Hartford in 1979, and left there to become WFSB's weekend meteorologist in 1984, a title he held for 14 years.

He switched to become the station's morning newscast meteorologist, and eventually moved to afternoons and nights.

"I hope I served you well through countless storms over the last four decades," DePrest said to viewers. "It has always been my goal to keep you and your family safe."

He said his pursuits in retirement with his wife, Cheryl, will include traveling and gardening, and he may try to learn a new language and learn how to play the piano, among other enjoyable activities.