Dr. Frank Field Death, What Happened to Dr. Frank Field? How did Legendary WNBC Meteorologist Frank Field Die?
Updated Jul 03, 2023
Dr. Frank Field Death
Dr. Frank Field, a prominent figure in the field of meteorology and television broadcasting, passed away on 1 July 2023 in Florida at the age of 100. His death was announced by WNBC-TV in New York, the very station where he began his broadcasting career back in 1958.
While Dr. Field did not possess a formal degree in meteorology, his expertise in the field was widely recognized. His doctorate was actually in optometry, a profession he pursued before transitioning to television. However, his experience as a weather forecaster in the military earned him the title of meteorologist and the "Seal of Approval" from the American Meteorological Society.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in delivering accurate and accessible weather information to the general public.
Dr. Field's contributions extended beyond meteorology. He hosted notable programs such as "Medical Update" and "Health Field," where he showcased his passion for science, space, and medicine. One of his most significant achievements was his efforts to popularize the Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving technique used to aid choking victims.
In collaboration with Dr. Henry J. Heimlich, the creator of the maneuver, Dr. Field invited him to the studio for a demonstration, thereby raising awareness about this critical procedure.
Throughout his career, Dr. Field received recognition for his outstanding work. In 1975, he was honored with a citation at the New York Emmy Awards for his reporting on developments in the applied sciences. Additionally, he served as a fellow at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, conducting research on the intricate relationship between weather and health.
After leaving NBC in 1984, Dr. Field joined CBS, where he spent 11 years contributing his expertise to their programming. Later on, he worked at New York's WNYW and WWOR before eventually retiring in 2004.
Dr. Field's legacy extends to his family as well. He inspired his children, Storm Field and Allison Field, both of whom pursued careers as weather forecasters in New York television. Dr. Field is survived by his daughter Pamela Field, along with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Sadly, his wife, Joan Kaplan Field, passed away earlier this year.
Dr. Frank Field's contributions to meteorology, broadcasting, and public health have left a lasting impact. His dedication to providing accurate weather information, promoting scientific advancements, and advocating for life-saving procedures like the Heimlich maneuver will be remembered by many.
What Happened to Dr. Frank Field?
Dr. Frank Field, a renowned meteorologist and health reporter, passed away at the age of 100. He died in Florida on Saturday. Field's career spanned several decades, and he spent 25 years working at WNBC-TV, the NBC station in New York.
Field began his meteorology journey after receiving education in the field at Brown University and MIT. During World War II, he served as an Army Air Force meteorology officer in Europe. In addition to meteorology, Field pursued other academic interests, earning a degree in geology from Brooklyn College, a bachelor's degree in optometry from Columbia University, and a doctorate from the faculty of Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Field joined WNBC in 1958, where he became nationally recognized for his work. His appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson garnered attention, with Carson humorously referring to Field as "NBC's crack meteorologist." Field engaged in witty exchanges with Carson while maintaining his professionalism and authoritative presence.
He even playfully teased Carson during his weather reports on the 11 p.m. news by using a prop pointer on a cut-out figure of the host. Although his antics may have caused some concerns among NBC management, the viewers thoroughly enjoyed it.
Field's contributions extended beyond meteorology. He utilized his medical background to incorporate health and science reporting into his role at WNBC. Notably, he covered an entire kidney transplant live on air, from the initial incision to the final suture, in 1983.
Additionally, Field played a significant role in promoting the Heimlich maneuver before it gained widespread acceptance within the medical community. His friend, a CBS sportscaster Warner Wolf, used the maneuver to save Field's life when he choked on a piece of meat during a meal together.
After his tenure at WNBC, Field joined WCBS, a competing station in New York. He concluded his television career at WWOR in 2004, dedicating his post-television years to advocating for fire safety.
Field's wife, Joan Kaplan Field, passed away earlier this year. The couple had been married for an impressive 75 years. They were blessed with three children: Storm, Allison, and Pamela. Both Storm and Allison followed in their father's footsteps and pursued careers as TV meteorologists. Field is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Al Roker, a prominent meteorologist at NBC's "Today" show, paid tribute to Field on Instagram, acknowledging his influential role in Roker's own career. Roker shared fond memories of Field mentoring him during his early days at WNBC and expressed his condolences to the Field family.
How Did Legendary WNBC Meteorologist Frank Field Die?
The exact cause of his death was not specified. Frank Field, a pioneering meteorologist and former health reporter at WNBC, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Florida at the age of 100. However, considering his advanced age and the absence of any mention of illness or other factors, it is presumed that he died of natural causes.
Frank Field's remarkable career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to the field of meteorology and became a beloved figure in the media industry. He received his meteorological training at prestigious institutions such as Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Frank Field Legendary WNBC Meteorologist Dies at 100
Dr. Frank Field, a renowned former WNBC meteorologist and health reporter, sadly passed away at the age of 100 in Florida. Beginning his career at WNBC in New York in 1958, Field became a well-known figure through his appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. Carson took pleasure in playfully teasing Field, often referring to him as "NBC's crack meteorologist."
However, Field skillfully engaged in banter with the popular comedian while maintaining his authoritative presence. Field's quick wit occasionally led to amusing retaliations, such as when he humorously used a prop pointer to poke fun at a cutout model of Carson during his weather broadcasts. While this may have caused some distress among NBC executives, the audience thoroughly enjoyed it.
Field's educational background in meteorology included studies at prestigious institutions such as Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, he served as a meteorology officer in the Army Air Force during World War II.
Field's academic pursuits extended beyond meteorology, as he obtained an undergraduate degree in geology from Brooklyn College, a degree in optometry from Columbia University, and completed his doctoral studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. At NBC, Field's coverage expanded beyond meteorology, encompassing health and science stories, showcasing his versatility and expertise.
In a daring move that showcased his commitment to journalism, Field provided live coverage of a kidney transplant on television in 1983. He fearlessly documented the entire procedure, from the initial incision to the final stitch, providing viewers with an unprecedented glimpse into the world of medical advancements.
Another notable contribution by Field was his advocacy for the Heimlich maneuver. Years before it became a widely accepted life-saving technique, Field taught the maneuver to the NBC audience, highlighting his commitment to public safety and well-being. Field's passion for broadcasting seemed to run in the family, as his children, Storm and Allison, followed in his footsteps and pursued careers as radio broadcasters.
Field dedicated a significant portion of his career, spanning 25 years, to WNBC before joining WCBS, where he continued to make an impact until his retirement in 2004. Following his departure from television weather forecasting, Field channeled his energy into advocating for safer fire practices, further showcasing his dedication to public safety.
Unfortunately, Field experienced the loss of his beloved wife of 75 years just a few months prior to his own passing. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by his three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. Frank Field's contributions to the field of meteorology, his captivating on-screen presence, and his commitment to public service will be remembered fondly by colleagues, friends, and viewers alike. He will be greatly missed but his impact will continue to be felt in the world of broadcasting and beyond.
Dr. Frank Field Death - FAQs
The exact cause of Dr. Frank Field's death was not specified. However, considering his advanced age and the absence of any mention of illness or other factors, it is presumed that he died of natural causes.
Dr. Frank Field studied meteorology at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He also had an undergraduate degree in geology from Brooklyn College, a degree in optometry from Columbia University, and completed his doctoral studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. While he did not possess a formal degree in meteorology, his extensive experience and expertise in the field earned him recognition as a meteorologist, including the "Seal of Approval" from the American Meteorological Society.
Dr. Frank Field spent a significant portion of his career, approximately 25 years, working at WNBC, the NBC station in New York. He joined the station in 1958 and became nationally recognized for his work.
Dr. Frank Field made significant contributions to the field of meteorology and broadcasting. He hosted programs such as "Medical Update" and "Health Field," where he covered topics related to science, space, and medicine. He gained recognition for providing live coverage of a kidney transplant on television and for his advocacy of the Heimlich maneuver. Field's wit and engaging on-screen presence made him a beloved figure in the industry.
Yes, Dr. Frank Field's children, Storm and Allison Field followed in his footsteps and pursued careers as weather forecasters in New York television.