RIP DON PARDO

Submitted by ub on

Dominick George Pardo was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, on Feb. 22, 1918, and grew up in Norwich, Connecticut. Don died Monday in Tucson, Arizona. He was 96.

The legendary Don Pardo was a radio and television announcer since the 1950s. He had been the booth announcer for the NBC network.

Back in the days when television stations would sign off for the night with a short newscast, followed by The Star Spangled Banner, I had the honor and pleasure to produce the news-brief which was read by Don Pardo. To a young producer, it was one of many thrills because his was the voice that announced many events, including the death of JFK, "Jeopardy!," "Saturday Night Live", "Arthur Murray Party," ''Colgate Comedy Hour" and "Your Show of Shows."

Big Don was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame in 2010. Don Pardo is survived by five children.