Jerry Taft, veteran ABC meteorologist, dies at 77

CHICAGO, IL – Jerry Taft, a 33-year ABC Chicago meteorologist, died Thursday night at the age of 77, according to reports.

Taft was a television meteorologist in Chicago for more than 40 years, and headed to Florida after his retirement to golf, relax, and keep himself busy driving towards Uber.

Taft joined ABC 7 in 1984 after working on NBC 5 for seven years and serving in the United States Air Force for 15 years.

On Twitter, Taft called himself “an Air Force pilot, husband, father, golfer, and Uber driver.” He became interested in meteorology during his time as an Air Force captain, according to ABC.

“He was a captain in the Texas Air Force when he took the local meteorologist in San Antonio for an advertising flight for the military,” ABC Chicago reported. “So that weather man turned the tables and put Jerry on the air.”

In 2012, Taft told Lemont students about breaking into television, attributing it to being in the right place at the right time.

“Many children go to school for meteorology or broadcasting and end up trying to figure out how to put their foot in the door,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just a fluke. I tell kids to get an education so they have the right grades, so if something lucky happens they are qualified for the job.”

After his retirement, Taft remained active on social media. In April, amid concerns about the coronavirus, he tweeted a photo of himself and said, “I’m fine. Stay healthy,” jokingly adding, “Stay away from Giangreco!”

In 2017, Taft put his Lemont home on the market.

Survived by his wife Shana and their children Skylar, Storm, Dana and Jay, Taft “died peacefully Thursday night surrounded by family members,” ABC said.

Colleague Tracy Butler reacted to the news of Taft’s death early Friday morning, tweeting, “I can hear that laugh. Wow … I can hear that laugh. I miss you, buddy. My deepest condolences to your family.”