Former NBC 10 weatherman and Broadcast Pioneer Herb Clarke died Sunday evening. He was 84 years old.
According to Gerry Wilkinson, Chairman of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, Clarke died at an assisted living facility in Bryn Mawr, Pa. from complications of Alzheimer's.
Clarke was a weatherman at NBC 10 for 40 years. He also served as news anchor and as host of various series and special programs.
Clarke's broadcast career started in 1948 in his hometown of Eden, North Carolina, according to the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. He also worked at a radio station and television station in Richmond, Virginia prior to joining NBC 10.
He received a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Clarke was also a United States Navy veteran.
Clarke served as President of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia between 1988-1989. In 1994 he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
Hundreds of condolences from loyal viewers from across the area were immediately posted on NBC Philadelphia's facebook page after learning of his death.
"I grew up watching Herb on TV as did many other people in Philly. He lived not far from my house. When I was in grade school he came to my school and read to the kids. When I was older and working at a nursing home he came to read poetry to the residents. When I was standing next to him in a store he made a point to ask me how my day was going. When kids would spray graffiti on the bridge over the trolley tracks, yep Herb would go paint over it. He was just a good, good man!," Rick Kelly of Bryn Mawr, Pa. wrote.
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"I grew up with Herb as our living room weatherman. He delivered the forecast in a down-to-earth style that seems a product of a bygone era, one which today is full of flashy suits, makeup and snazzy graphics. Herb didn't need any of that. In short, he had talent. Philadelphians knew that firsthand. May Herb Clarke rest in peace. I'll miss him.," Richard Bishop, Sr. of Wilmington, De. wrote.
"That makes me sad. My condolences to his family. He gave one of the best snow forecasts I ever heard. I remember it was a frustrating storm and he said "'Folks, its going to snow. It may be 2 inches. It may be 2 feet.'" May he rest in peace," Michelle Revelle wrote.
Brad Nau, President of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences Mid-Atlantic Region, released the following statement:
"Herb Clarke was a broadcasting giant in Philadelphia. His warm, calm and folksy charm was evident on and off the air. In 2007, the NATAS Board of Governors awarded Herb the Governor’s Award for his dedication, talent and legendary service over 39 years in broadcasting in Philadelphia. We are truly saddened by his passing. His comforting way will surely be missed."
A memorial service for Clarke will be held Friday morning at 11a.m. at Byrn Mawr Presbyterian Church located at 625 Montgomery Avenue.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, their three children and three grandchildren, according to the family.
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