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WFSB News Anchor Denise D’Ascenzo Dies

Courtesy of WFSB
WFSB news anchor Denise D'Ascenzo died unexpectedly on Saturday.

Denise D'Ascenzo, who worked in Connecticut broadcast journalism for more than three decades, died unexpectedly on Saturday, according to WFSB television.

Co-anchor Dennis House announced the news Saturday night.

“It’s extremely difficult to say, but Denise D’Ascenzo died today,” he said. “It was a sudden and unexpected death and the grief we are all feeling is immeasurable. We are devastated for her husband and daughter, who really were her whole life. On a personal note, she was my sister, my TV wife, my best friend here, and my co-anchor for 25 years.”

In a statement, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont praised D’Ascenzo for her years of service.

“Through her dedicated work and dependable reporting, she earned the distinction of being a trusted name in journalism, and her reporting most certainly made an impact,” Lamont said. “The work journalists provide is a vital public service, and through her career, Denise dedicated herself to the people of Connecticut. The news of her passing is incredibly saddening, and I extend my deepest condolences to Denise’s family, friends, and colleagues at WFSB. She is undoubtedly a Connecticut news legend.”

Republican Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano praised D’Ascenzo her for competence, class, and integrity.

“For more than 30 years, she guided Connecticut through tragedy and triumph. We will miss her huge heart, her boundless generosity, and her tireless grace,” Fasano said. Connecticut has lost a television legend, invaluable voice, and a dear friend.”

D’Ascenzo was WFSB’s longest-serving anchor in station history, with nearly 34 years at the job, House said. 

Jeff Cohen started in newspapers in 2001 and joined Connecticut Public in 2010, where he worked as a reporter and fill-in host. In 2017, he was named news director. Then, in 2022, he became a senior enterprise reporter.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

Fund the Facts

You just read trusted, local journalism that’s free for everyone, thanks to donors like you.

If that matters to you, now is the time to give. Join the 50,000+ members powering honest reporting and a more connected — and civil! — Connecticut.

Connecticut Public’s journalism is made possible, in part by funding from Jeffrey Hoffman and Robert Jaeger.