If you grew up in New York City during the 80’s and 90’s, there were two names on ABC’s Eyewitness News that every single person knew. One was Roger Grimsby. The other was Bill Beutel.

Like most families, they were our dinner news team. Eyewitness News was a fixture on our televisions from 5:00 to 6:30 every single night. He had a recognizable face and a smooth friendly way of reporting the news that made you feel like he was sitting in the living room with you.

Beutel was an icon of my childhood and one of the people I remember very clearly growing up. Hearing the news this morning that he died really kind of hit home for me, as one by one it feels like I’m watching all the icons I grew up with pass away.

It’s a sad day for New York news today.

Rest in peace, Bill.

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