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Bob Teague Obituary
WNBC says Teague died Thursday. His widow, Jan, told The New York Times that he suffered from T-cell lymphoma.
Teague was a veteran newspaper reporter when joined New York's NBC affiliate in 1963. He previously worked at the Milwaukee Journal and The New York Times.
At WNBC, he became a correspondent for "Harlem: Test for the North," an hour-long program started after riots broke out area. He also covered other minority communities during the tumultuous 1960s.
"They felt black reporters would be invulnerable in a riot," Teague said in a 1981 interview.
Teague often subbed on NBC network news and sports programs, but he was critical of the industry that employed him.
"How can you make the decisions about your lives, your family, your business if what you are getting is in formation about what the beautiful people are doing?" Teague wrote in a 1982 book, "Live and Off-Color: News Biz."
He retired from WNBC in 1991.
Teague also was the author of several other books including "Letters to a Black Boy," addressed to his then-1-year-old son.
He wrote three works of children's fiction with titles such as "Agent K-Thirteen the Super-Spy."
WNBC anchor Chuck Scarborough said Teague was "driven to excel and tireless in his pursuit of the truth."
"He was also a valuable mentor to those of us who followed in his footsteps," Scarborough said. "Bob's achievements and integrity stand as an example for us all."
WNBC praised Teague in a statement as "a broadcast pioneer with a passion for news and for serving his New York viewers."
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
108 Entries
My Dads 1st cousin <br />I called Uncle Bob
Harold Rogers
August 3, 2025
My Name is Harold Rogers Jr
I have pleasure to meet Bob twice. He was quite the gentleman. My Dad said they were raised like brothers.
Wanda J Crawford
April 18, 2023
I wanted to add how PROUD the Crawford & Teague family is of Robert's achievements to the world of broadcasting being the 1st NEWSCASTER who happened to be a BLACKMAN. He is a HERO & opened the door for others to follow. Thank you so much.
Wanda J Crawford
April 17, 2023
To The Teague Family : We don't know each other but i'm a cousin on the Teague family side. My grandmother was a Teague : Mattie Teague . I was told abt Robert my dad James C Crawford is two yrs younger than Bob we live n Indpls , In . I'm so sorry the family never kelp up w/one another. My deepest condolences & prayers for all. Blessings Wanda Crawford 4/15/2023
Linda Marcelle
August 29, 2020
Bob was such a delight to know. We met I south Brunswick New Jersey where I’m both lived. His wife Jan a a sweet lovely Woman.i have Tried to get her number since I saw the notice about Bob yesterday. I am a few years late but I want you to know Jan Norman and Linda Marcelle have not forgotten you and Bob and want to say thank you for extending friendship to us. We now love in Orlando Fl. Hope to here back from Jan
How you can show support
PATRICIA JONES
February 27, 2018
BOB WAS INSIGHTFUL, GENUINE, AND VERY LOVING. ALTHOUGH WE NEVER MET, HIS BOOK "LETTERS TO A BLACK BOY" SHARED A LOT OF LIGHT TO ME ABOUT WHO HE WAS AS A BLACK MAN.
Rosanne Klass
July 31, 2013
I'veknown Bob since our college years. He was distinguished then, and always since.
Pat Powers
April 15, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the Teague family. A great journalist and author. May he rest in peace.
John Cancel
April 12, 2013
My condolences to Adam and his family during this time of Grief.
Stanford Mironov
April 2, 2013
To The Teague family, I have known Bob for the last 20 years..we were not close friends.. but I considered him a friend never the less.. he always had a smile and looked forward to his tenis and bridge.. and always said it the way it was..true to his beliefs. A man of true values and integrity.
Jean Ford
April 1, 2013
I was privileged to work at WNBC for part of the time Mr. Teague was employed there. I admired his work and offer sincere sympathy to his loved ones.
Bishop Jeffrey Donelson
April 1, 2013
I read letters to a Black boy it changed my life read the series great wisdom have had my son read them also! And still quote from his stories today! My prayers will be with his family
Kelly Maloney
April 1, 2013
Grateful to have met Bob in his later years in his part-time career with Johnson & Johnson. It was an honor to have known him. Heartfelt sympathy to Jan and his family and friends....Long before we're ready, we sadly say goodbye. But there are those in a far more beautiful place who are saying, "welcome home." RIP - Bob.
Maria Fiorino
April 1, 2013
My Deepest Sympathy to Jan and Family.
So Sorry!
Jennifer Teague
April 1, 2013
Bob Teague was an exceptional broadcaster and one of my favorites when I lived in New York. I was married to a Teague from Tennessee at that time, and when people asked how a blonde white girl could have the same last name as a black broadcaster, I always said that we were cousins. I would like to think that he would have gotten a kick out of it.
Victoria Escobedo-Valdez
April 1, 2013
Our condolences
to Mr.BOB TEAGUE
and all his Family..
As the Heavens vine webs
inside ones Spiritual life
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 1, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
G. Freeman
April 1, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
C. Wolfe
April 1, 2013
I remember the years of Bob Teague and his many contributions to broadcast news.
Gone from the earth, but never forgotten.
Tom Smith
April 1, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob Teague's family, friends, and fans. We can all look forward to a time when death and tears of sorrow will be no more.
VERNA
April 1, 2013
MAY THE GOD OF COMFORT WHO COMFORTS ALL GIVE YOU THE NECESSARY PEACE YOU R FAMILY NEEDS TO GET YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY MR. TEAGUE REST IN BACK.
The Long Family
April 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
rosenette paddio
April 1, 2013
you had my love the sympathy
April 1, 2013
The sting of death brings pain and sorrow. But remember our Heavenly Father can soothe your pain and bring you comfort to cope during these trying times Roman 15:4. Rest assure that our loving Father has Bob in his memory and he will not forget the kind deed that he extended toward others.
ADM
April 1, 2013
Sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of all comfort be with the family and comfort you in your times of sadness.
April 1, 2013
I send my heartfelt condolence to the family of BOB TEAGLE.During this difficult time I hope you draw comfort from the GOD of comfort.ISAIAH 61.1.2.
sincerely.
Ms Carruth
John Steeber
April 1, 2013
A voice, a level of professionalism, a straightforward approach that would stop at nothing to bring you a completely statisfactory story. It seems that not only is the world suffering from this loss, but the lights burn a little dimmer on Reporter Street tonight. R.I.P. Bob... See you when I get to the gig!
March 31, 2013
May God be with you and your family in this time of sorrow. Psalm 65:2 states that God is the hearer of prayer.
Mary Grinzo
March 31, 2013
Bob will be missed by so many. He truely was a very nice man.
March 31, 2013
To the Teague family and friends, may the God of comfort watch over and strengthen you all as you grieve for Bob. My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you all.
-S.Scott, Tucker, GA
March 31, 2013
My sympathy to your family during this time of grief.
March 31, 2013
offer my condolences,may he forever be in the memory of his family and friends,Matthew 22:32 He the God,not of the dead,but of the living,so Mr.Bob will always be in God's memory, love and blessings to the family
Felicia Pettigrew
March 31, 2013
What a beautiful life he lived
Tina
March 31, 2013
May the family and frineds of Bob Teague gain strength and comfort in the hope for the dead as set out in the scriptures. John5:28, Pslm 37: 9,10,11
VW
March 31, 2013
May the many memories you shared with your loved one remain alive in your hearts and help you cope now and in the days ahead. Soon the sting of death will be gone away forever. That is what the true God, who cannot lie, promises. We can rest our hope on this for a certainty.
Psalm 46:1
March 31, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Norman & Eileen Berens
March 31, 2013
Dear Jan and family;
Eileen and I will really miss Bob at bridge and social events, and pray that you will find comfort and strength to deal with your grief.
In spite of his fame, Bob was a "regular guy", willing to argue politics or discuss current or personal events. We are proud to have known him, and of him for all of his important contributions to journalism and racial equality. He deserves a special place in the hearts of many.
March 31, 2013
I LIVED IN THE SAME COURTYARD WITH THIS FINE MAN. I FOUND HIM VERY FUNNY, GENEROUS. ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW HIM. YOU WOULD SEE HIS PERSONA COME OUT. REST IN PEACE...MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND BEST OTHER HALF JAN.
LISA S
Vanessa Edwards
March 31, 2013
Pkease accept my condolences for your loss. May God's comfort and peace be in abundance at thus difficult time.
SHIRLEY
March 31, 2013
MY CONDOLENCE TO THE TEAGUE FAMILY. MAY THE GOD OF PEACE COMFORT YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW.2COR;1-4
March 31, 2013
He is now with the King of Kings. See you when I get there.
Sharon Davenport
March 31, 2013
You were in our home broadcasting the Channel 4 news. Rest in Peace.
M.H.G Sr
March 31, 2013
May you be in The Book Of Life.
paul markowitz
March 30, 2013
One of my favorite newscasters.
March 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time. Please find comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Bob Hartman
March 30, 2013
I grew up with this fine news journalist and am deeply saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family.
Roy
March 30, 2013
My deepest condolence to the family.
May you get comfort and strength from the family and friends
cher veneris
March 30, 2013
RIp brother :-D
Sissy Dowe
March 30, 2013
Thank you for making a way for our children to know that they can be and do whatever they want. God Bless!!
March 30, 2013
TO THE FAMILY, DURING THIS VERY SAD TIME PLEASE CONTINUE TO LEAN ON "THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT" 2ND COR.1 3-4.
Phil Akwa
March 30, 2013
Bob was a dear friend of mine at the University of Wisconsin and was privy to Bob's assistance, using a poetic name,to help then Sports Editor of The
Daily Cardinal,Marshall Kadwit, published several columns which hastened the departure of then AD and Head Football Coach, Harry Stuhldrhher.
Bob enjoyed every momment of it.
March 30, 2013
so sorry for the loss of Mr. Teague,may these words of comfort soothe your heart.Happy are the mericiful,since they will be shown mercy..matt.5:7...~d~
ZELMA NIX
March 30, 2013
LOVED WATCHING HIM BROADCAST WHENEVER IN NEW YORK. OFTEN WONDERED IF HE WERE RELATED TO MY IN-LAWS. VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. FONDLY, ZELMA ALPHIN (TEAGUE) NIX
Bill Soltesz
March 30, 2013
I'm a big fan of Bob Teague - remember him well - A great NYC TV News personality . Great at his job! Terrific professional.
wilma jones
March 30, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 30, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. God is for us refuge and strength.
March 30, 2013
For Bob's Family, My very deepest sympathy from a dear friend dating back to University of Wisconsin where Bob and I (both intended and ultimately accomplished) as writers, worked at the Humor Magazine and stayed in touch until recently. I will miss him, always.
Sheila Cole Nilva (Kohlenberg)
March 30, 2013
Obedient humans will soon receive the full benefit of Jesus' ransom sacrifice.
This will occur under the rule of the Kingdom for which the upright have long prayed, saying:
“Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.
Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:9, 10)
~Volunteer Minister~
ANTHONYTODD RAVEN
March 30, 2013
THE WORLD OF JOURNLISM LOST A GREAT ONE BOB INPITTIMIZED THE WORD OF HONOR AND INTEGITRY WE ALL WILL MISS HIS NO NONSENSE STYLE OF REPORTING GODBLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TODD RAVEN
March 30, 2013
I remember Bob growing up in NYC. He was a great newscaster. May his family be comforted by the Lord during this time.
Alma Scott
March 30, 2013
Did not know Mr. Bob, but as a tribute to your lending your shoulder to us, thanks. I can relate to the reporting of what you would do good in syndrom ! Thanks for sticking it out for us, I appreciate the stamina you showed that enlightened persons of color to stand for something and never fall for anything! RIP my hero!
Claire Serant
March 30, 2013
Loved watching him on television. Thanks to his family for sharing him with us.
m williams
March 30, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the family may the god of comfort help to ease the pain of your greef during this time 1 cor 1.3.4
March 30, 2013
May the "God of all comfort" be with your family.
Sincerely,
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 30, 2013
rip
monique karnoff-hanson
March 30, 2013
What a sad day... My father Eli Karnoff was his dentist for many years and he remained a family friend always. Love and prayers to Jan and the family
Eileen
March 30, 2013
What a lovely person.Rest in peace, sir.God's comfort to your family.
Patricia Barbee
March 30, 2013
With sympathy to the Family.
Bob, thanks for blazing the trail for all minorities, including women.
EMILY DAVIS
March 30, 2013
GOD HAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON THAT HAS JOINED HIM, AND GOOD BLESS HIS FAMILY.
Hazel
March 30, 2013
I always admired his style and grace
May the family know he will be missed by many and find peace in knowing he is at rest
Anna Hendon
March 30, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
March 30, 2013
May you draw comfort from the holy writings,Isa.41:9-10,13.
Linda
March 30, 2013
Thank you, now may you Rest in Peace.
Charlie Hardy
March 30, 2013
Mr Teague was a Pioneer and Role Model. It was a point of pride for us as African-Americans to see Bob Teague present the news to a National TV audience. May God grant him peace.
Neet
March 30, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. Death is not a permanent loss of our loved ones. It's only temporary since our Creator promises to do away with death.-1 Corinthians 15:26
March 30, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Dwayne Bickham
March 30, 2013
rest in peace
Solomon Y
March 30, 2013
My heart goes out to the Teague family.John 5:25 says," The time is coming...that the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed will live."
M Y
March 30, 2013
What a remarkable person. Please know that God is the hearer of all prayers.
March 30, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more. For God has promised.
Jane Dowling
March 30, 2013
God bless you, and thank you ~ Rest in peace.
Judith Paige
March 30, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Teagues's passing. I always remember his superb broadcasting. I loved watching and listening to him.. May God Bless you all.... and Thank you Mr. Teague!!!
March 30, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May you find strength to cope with this loss from God.
G M
March 30, 2013
To the Family and friends of Bob Teague, so sorry for the lost of your dear loved one.May you find comfort in Ecclesiastes 9:5 and Psalm 146:3,4 to get you thru the days to come.
R T White
March 30, 2013
I read Lettters while in high school in the ltee 60s and early 70s. I remember the quotes from Confuscious.
March 30, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with you in your time of sorrow.
B. TOUSSAINT HARRELL
March 29, 2013
MR. TEAGUE WAS A MAN THAT DID NOT COMPROMISE HIS BELEIFS: "TO THINE SELF
BE TRUE AND THE COURAGE TO DISPLAY..COME WHAT MAY." IS HIS LEGACY.
THE WORLD WOULD BE A MORE INTERESTING
WORLD WITH A TRUE- DIVERSE OF ETHICAL PERSONALITIES. THE WORLD LOST A GEM
AND BRILLIANT MAN.
SINCERE PRAYERS AND SYMPATY,
B, G. TOUSSAINT HARRELL
DDN Reader
March 29, 2013
With deepest sympathy. Comforting thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Barbara Cannova
March 29, 2013
Mr. Teague was the consummate journalistic professional. He should be hled up as a rile model for all future joirnalists. Thank you, Mr. Teague, for your reporting and professionalism. You are greatly missed.
Sharon Williams
March 29, 2013
May you forever fly with angels...
March 29, 2013
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Ps.147:3
With Deep Sympathy
Barb
March 29, 2013
Im so sorry for your loss and may family and friends find comfort in Gods inspired word the Bible ( 2 Timothy 3:16).With condolences to family and friends during your time of grief and sorrow.
Marie
March 29, 2013
Sincere sympathy to the Teague family.May God comfort your family in the days and weeks ahead.May your loving memories sustain you,and may perservering in prayer in prayer comfort you,Romans 12:12.
Tanya Parker
March 29, 2013
Our Prayers are with Your Family. Thanks for all that you did.R.I.P.
Peggy Morisen
March 29, 2013
I watched Bob Teague all the time when I lived in NY and on Long Island. He was old school journalism. He will be missed.
Tony Pagnotti
March 29, 2013
Bob was a dear friend and mentor during my days working with him in the 80's at WNBC. I will always remember him holding court at Hurley's.
r j
March 29, 2013
Condolences to the family. May the peace of God be with you.
Charles Shea
March 29, 2013
Thank you.
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