NEW YORK — Rafael Pineda, a longtime news anchor who became a familiar face for Spanish-speaking viewers in the New York area, has died at age 88. Pineda passed away Sunday, Jan. 25, at his home in Florida, Univision said.
Pineda was born in Pinar del Río, Cuba in 1937. He began his journalism career in 1968 and joined WXTV Univision 41, the Spanish‐language TV station in New York, four years later. He went on to become one of the main news anchors for the station.
For more than 40 years, Pineda stood in front of the camera each night, telling stories about local events, world news, weather and politics.
Colleagues said Pineda was more than a news reader. He was a mentor to young journalists and helped bring the voices of Hispanic communities into the news. He was known for being calm, fair, and respectful on the air.
In 2000, Pineda became the first Latino inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle for his long service in broadcasting. He also was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
Pineda retired in 2013, after more than four decades at Univision. Years after he left the anchor desk, many people still remembered the comfort his voice brought during major news events.
No cause of death has been publicly released. Family members have asked for privacy during this time.
Chris Pugh
cleveland.com
(TNS)
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