Long-Time ABC7 News Anchor Pete Wilson Dies

Jul. 21, 2007 (KGO) (KGO) -- Veteran KGO-TV, ABC7 News Anchor Pete Wilson died Friday night at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto from a massive heart attack suffered during hip replacement surgery. He was 62.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra and son Brendan.

ABC7 President and General Manager Valari Staab said, "Pete was one of the most valued and respected news professionals in the Bay Area and the country. For more than 30 years, he was welcomed into the homes of thousands of local viewers reporting on every major news event that touched their lives. This is a deep loss both, personally and professionally for all of his friends and colleagues at Channel 7 and for me. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy and Brendan."

V.P. of News Kevin Keeshan said, "Pete Wilson had a passionate commitment to ethical, responsible journalism. He never hesitated to question the status quo and take on the conventional wisdom of the day. His endless enthusiasm and love for political debate and discussion will be missed by everyone in our news room."

Born and raised in central Wisconsin, Wilson was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in journalism and creative writing. A Vietnam veteran, Wilson began his news broadcasting career on a small country-western station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while attending graduate school.

Pete Wilson was the co-anchor of the top-rated ABC7 News at 6 P.M. for the past five and a half years. He re-joined the ABC7 family in January of 2002 after a 12-year stint anchoring the news at KRON-TV in San Francisco. He first came to ABC7 News in 1983 from KTXL-TV in Sacramento.

He earned numerous honors, including Associated Press awards and a half-dozen Emmy's. Wilson also shared two coveted Peabody awards, including one for his coverage of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake while at ABC7.

During virtually his entire career, in addition to anchoring and reporting, Wilson has hosted talk and interview shows including the top-rated afternoon radio program in the Bay Area on KGO-AM 810 NewsTalk Radio.

Wilson's family is asking people not to send flowers. Instead, they request you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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