[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 206 (Thursday, December 19, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      REMEMBERING DENISE D'ASCENZO

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute 
to Denise D'Ascenzo, the longtime anchor at WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness 
News, the CBS station in Hartford, CT. She was a trusted journalist, a 
devoted mother and wife, and a dear friend. Sadly, Denise passed away 
suddenly on December 7, 2019. She will be remembered for her tireless 
grace, integrity, and humor.
  Denise was born Washington, DC, and grew up in Rockville, MD, where 
she became editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper. She attended 
Syracuse University, where she got her first break in television at 
WIXT-TV doing the nightly weather forecast. Also at Syracuse, she met 
the love of her life and future husband, Wayne. After Syracuse there 
were stops at television stations in St. Louis and Cleveland, before 
moving to Connecticut in 1986 to join WFSB.
  In Connecticut, she provided special coverage of political 
conventions, the U.S. visit of Pope John the II, 9/11, the arrest of 
the DC sniper, and the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary 
School. Denise had a passion for health and medical reporting, taking 
viewers inside operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, and 
neonatal intensive care units, as well as onboard Life Star, the 
critical care helicopter service. She was a leading voice in raising 
awareness for conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease, obesity, 
and preventive healthcare.
  During her 33 year career at WFSB, she was honored with 2 Edward R. 
Murrow Awards, 7 Associated Press Awards, 11 Emmy's, and a national 
Gabriel Award. She was recognized for her work with a number of 
charities, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Mary's Place, 
and the Channel 3 Kids Camp. In 2013, Denise was elected to the Silver 
Circle by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for her 
significant contributions to broadcasting. In 2015, she became the 
first woman to be inducted into the Connecticut Broadcasters 
Association Hall of Fame.
  Connecticut has lost a broadcasting legend. We all also lost a dear 
friend who came into our homes with dignity and decency to tell them 
the news of the day. She was deeply dedicated to uncovering and 
conveying the truth of every story. She was there for almost 30 years 
to guide us through tragedy and triumph, and we miss her immensely.
  My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest sympathies to Denise's 
family during this difficult time, particularly to her husband, 
daughter, and coworkers. May their many wonderful memories of Denise 
provide them solace and comfort in the days ahead.

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