George Fischbeck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Fischbeck
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Dr. George delivering the weather, 1980
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| Born | July 1, 1922 |
| Died | March 25, 2015 (aged 92) |
| Spouse(s) |
Susanne Fischbeck
(m. 1949–2015) |
| Children | 2 |
| Career | |
| Station(s) | Albuquerque: KNME-TV (1960-1970) KOB-TV (1970-1972) Los Angeles: KABC-TV (1972-1992) KCBS-TV (1994-1997) |
| Style | Weatherman |
George Richard Fischbeck (July 1, 1922 – March 25, 2015) was a well-known American television weatherman. He was famous for his fun and educational weather forecasts.
George Fischbeck started his career in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He worked at KOB-TV from the early 1960s to the early 1970s. In 1972, he moved to Los Angeles and joined KABC-TV. There, he became a very popular part of the "Eyewitness News" team. He retired from KABC-TV in 1992. Later, he returned to TV for a short time at KCBS-TV from 1994 to 1997.
Early Life and Learning
George Fischbeck was born in Wallington, New Jersey. He grew up on his family's farm in Farmingdale, New Jersey. His mother, Johanna, was a teacher, and his father, George, was a farmer. George graduated from Freehold High School when he was only 16 years old. He briefly attended Rutgers University.
On March 22, 1943, George joined the United States Army Reserve. He started as a private first class. He worked as a tank mechanic in Hawaii and became a corporal. Later, he worked with the New Mexico Air National Guard during the Korean War. This is where he began to learn about weather. He was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque.
George studied education at the University of New Mexico. He earned a Master of Arts degree in 1955. Before becoming a weatherman, he was a teacher in Albuquerque for 23 years. This teaching experience helped him become the lively person viewers loved. The "Dr." in his name came from an honorary doctorate he received from the University of Albuquerque.
A Career in Television
George Fischbeck's weather forecasts were special. He didn't use a script. He often used his time on TV to teach people about weather in a fun way. He even hosted a children's science show at KNME-TV in Albuquerque.
In 1979, the Boy Scouts of America gave him the Silver Beaver Award. This award recognized his great service to young people. After moving to California, George appeared in a special exhibit. It was a simulated news broadcast about earthquakes at the California Science Center.
In 2003, George received the Los Angeles Area Governors Award. This award honored his lifetime achievements in Los Angeles television. In 2013, the city of Los Angeles declared April 10 "Dr. George Day." A month later, his autobiography was published. George Fischbeck passed away on March 25, 2015, in Woodland Hills, California.
Personal Life and Hobbies
George Fischbeck enjoyed many hobbies. He was an amateur radio operator. His special call sign was KE6SBY.
He married Susanne Fischbeck in 1949. They had twins, a son and a daughter named Nancy. Sadly, his son passed away at a young age around 1976.
For over 20 years, George volunteered with the Los Angeles Police Department's Volunteer Surveillance Team. Even after he retired, he continued this work. He also volunteered at the Los Angeles Zoo. In September 2015, the LAPD created an award in his honor. It is called the "Dr. George Fischbeck Memorial Award."
George Fischbeck died on March 25, 2015. He was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) in Los Angeles.
