Gary LaPierre
American radio and TV journalist (1942–2019)
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Gary LaPierre (April 14, 1942 – February 4, 2019)[1] was a radio and television journalist, who spent most of his career with WBZ, an all-news radio station in Boston, Massachusetts. He also made appearances on WBZ-TV's news broadcasts, often filling in as a substitute anchor. LaPierre retired in 2006 after 40 years at the anchor desk.[2] He had started at WBZ in 1964 as a general news reporter. One of his first assignments was covering the arrival of the Beatles, when they came to greater Boston to perform.[3]
Gary LaPierre | |
|---|---|
LaPierre at WBZ | |
| Born | April 14, 1942[1] |
| Died | February 4, 2019 (aged 76) |
| Education | Grahm Junior College |
| Occupation | Radio broadcaster |
| Years active | 1961–2006 |
| Known for | WBZ (AM) radio news anchor |
Early life and career
Born in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, LaPierre graduated from Grahm Junior College and attended the University of New Hampshire and Boston University.[4] His first job in radio was with WHAV in Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1961.[5] He then worked briefly in New Hampshire before joining WBZ, where he would work for a total of 43 years.[5]
LaPierre was heard on WBZ for a number of years giving a daily commentary, "LaPierre on the Loose". He was also heard doing commercials for various advertisers. In 1999, he played Ebenezer Scrooge in WBZ's adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. This version has been played every Christmas Eve since then.[citation needed]
Personal life
LaPierre was married, and had two sons.[6] He underwent heart bypass surgery in 2005.[7] He died at his home in Ipswich, Massachusetts, on February 4, 2019, from leukemia at age 76.[8]
Honors and awards
In 1998, LaPierre received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Emerson College.[4] He was also inducted in the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame,[9] in 2010.[10] Other awards include:[4]
- Gold Award for Best Newsman of the Year, at the International Radio Festival in New York City (1986)
- Lifetime Achievement Award, from the March of Dimes Achievement in Radio Organization (1997)
- Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Radio Newscast, presented by the Radio-Television News Directors Association (1998)
- Associated Press Award for Documentary of the Year
- San Francisco Award for Best Investigative Journalism