Jack Hynes, longtime local news anchor, dead at 88
Jack Hynes, the dean of Boston television who commanded the anchor chair for both channels 5 and 56 for decades, died yesterday. He was 88.
He worked at WCVB Channel 5 for 26 years and then jumped to Channel 56 for two more decades where he anchored the “Ten O’Clock News.”
He was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2008.
“Our treasured Dad passed away peacefully (yesterday) afternoon. He was 88 years old and the center of our lives,” said his son Barry T. Hynes in a statement.
“We take comfort in knowing that our Dad’s spirit and resilience never wavered as he faced his health challenges. He found his greatest joy in the time spent with his 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren,” his son added.
“He was an avid and passionate journalist to the end. We are incredibly proud of our Dad, the quintessential Boston Newsman for all he accomplished during his professional career. But most importantly, we are so grateful and honored to call him our Dad and Papa Jack. We will miss him forever,” Barry Hynes added.
Jack Hynes leaves behind four children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, two brothers and one sister. His wife, Marie, died in 1998.
He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1952 and Boston College High School in 1948.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and his father was John B. Hynes, a former mayor of Boston.
Jack Hynes was hailed for his farewell broadcast on the final Channel 56 “Ten O’Clock News” show before the station was sold in December 2006.
His segment about the demise of the news show — including the horrible timing of a sale “a week before Christmas” — was celebrated for its honesty. But that was Jack’s trademark — telling it like it is.
“We’ve had some terrific years here . ... Someone should have bought the station,” he added as others who were on the last show, including this reporter, absorbed every word.