Jerry Taft, ABC7 meteorologist for 33 years, dies at 77

Taft, who worked for more than 30 years at ABC 7 Chicago, is remembered by colleagues for his “contagious laugh.”

Jerry Taft Death at age of 77

Jerry Taft, who worked as a meteorologist for 33 years at ABC 7 Chicago, died Thursday night, according to the station. He was 77.

His colleagues and other broadcast journalists in Chicago posted tributes on social media.

“I had the privilege of working along side him for more than 20 years,” FOX 32 meteorologist Mike Caplan said in a Facebook post Friday morning. “His infectious laugh and frequent giggles on air were legendary and endeared him to his audience and friends.”

I awoke to some very sad news this morning. Jerry Taft has passed away. I had the privilege of working along side him for more than 20 years. His infectious laugh and frequent giggle fests on air were legendary and endeared him to his audience and friends. He led a full and robust life. Served our country in the Air Force. Was basically a scratch golfer. And most importantly had a wonderful family.

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ABC 7 reporter Roz Varon said in a Facebook post that she would also remember his “contagious laugh.”

“We’re sharing special memories this morning about this larger than life personality who had the largest heart,” Varon said in a post.

Taft is survived by his wife, Shana, and children Skylar, Storm, Danna and Jay.

Jerry is survived by his wife Shana and his children Skylar, Storm, Dana and Jay.

While reflecting on his career when he retired from ABC7, Jerry said he did not intend to become a television meteorologist and became interested in meteorology from flying airplanes.

He was a captain in the Air Force in Texas when he took the local weatherman in San Antonio up for a publicity flight for the military. Then, that weatherman turned the tables and put Jerry on the air.

“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.

Jerry was well-known for his sense of humor and his ability to laugh at mistakes.

Jerry’s colleagues at ABC7 shared some of their memories of him Friday morning.

Tracy Butler recalled his work with the March of Dimes Sunshine Rally.

“Jerry was dedicated to the March of Dimes for decades and the Sunshine Rally was a rally where we would all gather in the month of April and meteorologists from throughout the Chicago area would come together and give a forecast for the big March of Dimes Walk. Jerry spearheaded this for years and I know he is so well respected by meteorologists in this city and around the country as well.

Roz Varon recalled his famous laugh.

“I can hear it, I will always hear it. You will never forget it because it was so infectious. He’d start laughing, you’d start laughing and you couldn’t stop laughing,” Varon said.

At the time of Jerry’s retirement, Alan Krashesky said “One of the things that makes him so approachable is the fact that he doesn’t take himself seriously, he’s taking what he does professionally seriously, never himself.”

Also speaking when Jerry retired, Kathy Brock shared, “People remember the laugh, I don’t know how many newscasts there have been where he gets the giggles.”

Jerry came to Chicago to work for NBC and moved over to ABC7 in 1984.

We extend our condolences to the Taft family.