Beloved Former TV Anchor Passes Away

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Bill Griffith, local news anchor and former East County resident

William "Bill" Griffith, the beloved former television anchor who served as a trusted voice for San Diego viewers over a nearly four decade career, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the age of 77 due to a sudden medical event.

Affectionately known as the "Dean of San Diego Television," Griffith was a fixture on 10News – ABC San Diego KGTV from his hiring in 1976 until his retirement in 2015.

Born with a natural broadcasting charm, Griffith spent 39 years delivering breaking news, human interest stories, and late-night updates with unparalleled professionalism and warmth. Off-camera, he was celebrated by colleagues as a humble, kind-hearted gentleman who maintained a relentlessly positive attitude. His exceptional career earned him numerous honors, including multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Mic awards, and the San Diego Press Club’s Drew Silver Award.

Beyond his stellar reporting, Griffith’s legacy is defined by his profound resilience and community advocacy.

Following a diagnosis on St. Patrick's Day in 2004, he publicly chronicled his six-month battle with male breast cancer through an online journal. His bravery and transparency inspired thousands, prompting over 30,000 emails of support from viewers who considered him as a member of their own families. He later became a passionate champion for cancer awareness, partnering with organizations like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

He resided in Rancho San Diego prior to moving to Yuma, Arizona. He leaves behind his sons, Adam and James, their respective wives, Sara and Rachel, four grandchildren, his former spouse Jenny, and his siblings, Jim and Debbie.

Each evening, Griffith famously concluded his broadcasts with a simple, enduring piece of advice that defined his approach to life: "Be good to one another."