Dennis Richmond, the longtime face of KTVU news, has passed away at 81. A trusted presence in Bay Area journalism for over four decades, Richmond became synonymous with Channel 2, even years after his retirement. He died on February 5, 2025, in Grass Valley, California, with his wife, Deborah, by his side. According to close friends, his spouse held his hand until the very end.
His impact on broadcast journalism was profound. Colleagues remember him as a steady force in the newsroom, setting high standards and leading by example. “Dennis was a strong presence in the KTVU newsroom for decades,” said KTVU General Manager Mellynda Hartel. “His impact is still felt today.”
Viewers relied on him during moments of crisis, trusting his calm and composed delivery in times of uncertainty. His polished suits and signature mustache made him one of the most recognizable figures on television.
While the exact cause of his death has not been disclosed, Richmond had previously suffered a heart attack and battled prostate cancer nearly a decade ago.
He leaves behind his wife, Deborah, their two children, and two grandkids. Here’s a closer look at his marriage and family.
What Does Richmond’s Wife, Deborah, Do?
Richmond often referred to his wife, Deborah, as his business manager.
While the late media personality kept things simple, primarily using his home setup for emails, Deborah made full use of their Hewlett-Packard system to run her hair salon. “She gets into PrintShop and goes crazy,” Richmond once shared, highlighting her hands-on approach to managing the business.
After his retirement, the couple settled in Grass Valley, Nevada County, where they embraced a quieter life surrounded by family. Richmond stayed active, enjoying workouts, tennis, and nature shows, while also prioritizing his health with a strict vitamin regimen.
The Couple Had Two Kids: A Daughter, Amber
Dennis and Deborah raised two children—a daughter, Amber Richmond, and a stepson. Amber, a graduate of California High School in San Ramon, played an active role in her father’s life, as his manager, much like her mother, Deborah.
Richmond often spoke about his struggles with technology, admitting it wasn’t his strong suit. “The first one I ever owned was a Dell. I don’t think it even had Windows,” the news anchor once recalled. “I bought it for my daughter, but it was tough to use. To get it to print, you had to get on your knees and beg it.”
Beyond his children, Dennis was also a proud grandfather. He had two grandchildren, including Maya, born from Amber’s marriage. He cherished his time with them and once reflected on how important it was for Maya to know him.
“Maya was born before my health issues, so I was able to go through the joy and exhilaration without those distractions,” Dennis shared. “One thing I kept thinking while recovering from surgery was that my mother died when Amber was only two. I regret that they didn’t get to know each other. I want my granddaughter to get to know me.”
What Was Dennis Richmond’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing, Richmond had an estimated net worth of $2 million. His wealth came primarily from his long and respected career in journalism, which spanned over four decades. As the face of KTVU in Oakland, California, Richmond became one of the most trusted news anchors in the region, earning a substantial salary until his retirement in 2008.
