‘SNL’ Veteran Announcer Don Pardo Succumb A Peaceful Death At 96

By Staff Reporter | Aug 19, 2014 12:43 PM EDT

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Many might not have known him by his looks, but his voice is most certainly recognized. The "SNL" veteran presenter, Dominick George "Don" Pardo, succumb a peaceful death last Monday at his Tucson, Arizona home at the age of ninety-six, per numerous media information.

Don Pardo was an American television and radio announcer who was made famous by the long-running late night comedy show "Saturday Night Live."  He started as "SNL" announcer since 1975 up to his death. Some years after his NBC retirement, he continually made available voiceover services for the program's opening tableau.

Don Pardo was first hired as a radio presenter at WJAR in Providence in 1938. For over three decades, Don Pardo has been one of the rotating announcers on the KFOG San Francisco radio show "Ten at Ten". He is a Television Hall of Fame member, was noted for his extensive relations with notable shows such as The Price Is Right, Jackpot, Jeopardy!, Three on a Match, Winning Streak and NBC Nightly News.

Over the years, Don Pardo had uncountable offbeat moments and unforgettable encounters as he became a pop-culture criterion. Upon moving to NBC, he became a television announcer for almost sixty years. He broadcasted on shows including Barrie Craig Confidential Investigator, X-1, and Dimension X. He was the authorized announcer for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade until 1999 and was the first to narrate John F. Kennedy's assassination.

Don Pardo was "SNL" original veteran announcer. In 2004, He proclaimed his NBC retirement and in May 14, 2009, Don Pardo was instated into the Rhode Island Hall of Fame. He began broadcasting for "SNL" again by pre-recording his parts for the 36th season.

Don Pardo's death was confirmed by Dona Pardo, the announcer's daughter. He is survived by his daughters, Paula, Dona and Katherine, his sons, David and Michael, as well as his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Don Pardo had an estimated net worth of $15 million. He died on August 19, 2014 at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

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