Tributes Continue for WFSB Anchor and Branford Resident Denise D'Ascenzo
In the days following the sudden, unexpected passing of Denise D'Ascenzo, a Branford resident with a state-wide following built over 33 years with WFSB, tributes continue to pour in honoring her and sharing prayers for her husband, Wayne Cooke and their daughter, Kathryn.
In statement, WFSB noted, "The reaction from viewers, family, friends to the passing of longtime Channel 3 anchor Denise D'Ascenzo has been overwhelming, and appreciated."
On Dec. 7, WFSB first posted the heartbreaking announcement that D'Ascenzo, 61, had passed that night. Since then, the station has continuing posting story updates which have helped to celebrate her life, career and impactful reporting, for which she was honored with awards including 11 Emmy Awards.
The station is also continuing sharing tributes that have come in from those including Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and many state and community leaders. On-air comments reacting to D'Ascenzo's death range from those shared nationally by CBS This Morning host Gayle King on Dec. 9 (who worked with D'Ascenzo for 18 years at WFSB), and memories, videos and stories that have been shared by many other news media colleagues and friends from WFSB and other outlets.
The station is compiling a growing on-line tribute titled "Remembering Denise" at https://www.wfsb.com/ Viewers are also posting comments in her honor, and in support of her family, at D'Ascenzo's WFSB Facebook and Twitter pages @denisedascenzowfsb
As reported by WFSB on Dec. 9, D'Ascenzo's family believes she passed away in her sleep due to a heart attack.