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John Severino Obituary
Severino was best known for creating today's popular Eyewitness News format while he was VP, GM of WLS-TV in Chicago and at KABC-TV in Los Angeles, and the phrase "There's more to life than news weather and sports." His on-air editorials in both markets made him a house-hold face, with his calling card sign off of, "We'd appreciate your comments."
He rose to become President of ABC TV Network, CBS TV Network, Prime Ticket Network, which he built from the ground up into what would become the model for regional sports networks across the nation, as well as Central European Media, a company that introduced Western-style TV programming to many former Eastern block countries in the 1990's.
Severino, a native of New Haven, Connecticut, was a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he excelled as a two-way football star, earned four consecutive Yankee Conference Championships from 1954-1958, and met his the love of his life. He is survived by that woman, wife of 61 years, Sally, his two sons Mark and David, two daughter-in-law's, 8 grandchildren, and his brother, Larry. He was 85.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Severino
Harvey Gersin
July 23, 2025
Worked with John at WBZ Radio in the early 60's. He was the best salesman at our radio station. As audience researcher, I went with him on a number of sales calls. Always impressed with his skills.
Sandy Hill
May 10, 2025
What a loss! John Severino was smart, charismatic, a leader who made you believe everything is possible! He was the best. God Bless you, Sev, and your family. RIP. And, thank you! Sandy Hill
Judy and John Bedrosian
September 23, 2024
We just learned that Sev had passed away and want to send our sincerest condolences to Sally, Mark, and David. We have wonderful memories.
Scott
April 7, 2024
Thank you, John, for the kind attention you gave my dad, John Mies
ErikPeterson Sr
February 24, 2024
Rip sev you were a great man to your family and friends. You ll be well missed.
Michael Eubanks
July 20, 2023
Since the mid-eighties I knew and respected "Sev".
Definitely a people person, a tough negotiator and a very fair human being.
We met when he was running KABC-TV in Hollywood. We began our 30+ years association by my firm providing set security and other security services to AM Los Angeles,
and the station itself.
We followed him to Prime Ticket/Sports and remained in touch for many years.
He was a true gentleman whom I respected greatly.
My sincere condolences to Sally and family.
Michael Eubanks
Beauty
August 6, 2022
R.I.P, John C.
Ann Marie Snyder
August 4, 2022
Sending condolences and prayers. Sev is with Pop now enjoying a round with JJJ and Regis. He was a huge influence in news and a brilliant business man as well as a dear friend of my late father.
God bless the Severino family.
Helen Palleria
August 3, 2022
My sincere condolences to John's family. He was a great classmate of the Hamden High School Class of 1954. I ran our reunions every five years. Sev came to some of them. He always followed up a few days later thanking me for all my hard work in putting together these great reunions. He never forgot his roots in Hamden. We all shall miss him.
Helen Palleria
Harold Greene
August 3, 2022
So sorry to hear of Sev's passing. I am for ever greatful to him for hiring me as an Anchorman at Channel 7 Eyewitness News. RIP
Shelley Menning Chiat
August 3, 2022
The kindest, happiest, most gracious man I have ever had the honour to work with and to know. Hope and peace to your entire family, of whom you were so very proud and loved so deeply.
Nena Fallon
August 2, 2022
Will never forget you Sev. Can´t believe that you told be that you like SPAM. Since then I have been at all times bring your spam breakfast every working days. Rest in Peace.
Lois Spieler Lee
August 2, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Severino family. An icon in the industry. Sev will truly be missed. Rest In Peace.
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