For the past 34 years, Vince Condella has been Milwaukee’s favorite Harley-riding, cool-uncle-vibing, occasionally mustachioed TV weatherman. Sadly, all good things (and all good stylin’ meteorologists’ careers) must come to an end: Wednesday night on FOX6 News, Condella announced his retirement. You can watch it on the FOX6 website.

Condella grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago. He received his bachelor’s degree in atmospheric sciences at Purdue University in 1977, and completed his master’s degree at UW-Madison in 1979. After serving as a broadcast meteorologist in Madison for two years, Condella began his gig at FOX6 on February 22, 1982, at the age of 26, back when the station was known as TV-6. Over the ensuing years, Condella became not only a trusted meteorologist but also a familiar face in Milwaukee and beyond. (Personal note: Condella paid a visit to my Catholic elementary school in Mayville, Wisconsin in the late ’80s, and caused a stir when it was discovered he wore an earring.)

Condella’s last day will be May 25. After that, fans can take solace in his always-entertaining Facebook page, where he regularly posts pictures of weather, pictures of birds, and old video clips. Like this one, featuring some sweet, sweet Zubaz. Thanks for the memories, Vince. (A press release announcing Condella’s retirement is below.)

WITI FOX6 ANNOUNCES CHIEF METEOROLOGIST VINCE CONDELLA TO RETIRE AFTER 34 YEARS ON AIR

Legendary Television Personality’s final forecast will be May 25

Milwaukee, WI. March 2, 2016. WITI FOX 6, Tribune Media’s Milwaukee broadcast television station announced that the station’s Chief Meteorologist will be retiring at the end of May. Condella’s decision to retire on May 25th will bring to a close a remarkable career of 34 years at WITI.

“Simply put, Vince Condella is Milwaukee weather”, says WITI FOX 6 President and General Manager Chuck Steinmetz. “Over the 34 years of Vince’s career the art and science of forecasting the weather has changed significantly and Vince has remained at the top of his field by understanding how to interpret all the data and explain it to southeastern Wisconsin. From the first day I started working with Vince it was obvious to me that Vince and the FOX 6 Weather Expert team didn’t just tell you the weather facts, instead to this day they guide you through a forecast in way that allows us to understand. Rob, Tom, and Stephanie have been fortunate to learn from one of, if not the best and most trusted television meteorologists in the country.”

Reflecting on his retirement Condella says, “I am fortunate to be working for this TV station for over three decades. They have always given me the freedom to share with our viewers my interests in astronomy, nature, and other scientific topics and encouraged me to take my on-air presentations beyond daily weather. I have had an interest in meteorology since third grade. WITI-TV allowed me to fulfill a lifelong passion.”

Condella has been at WITI since 1982 and has been Chief Meteorologist since 1983. His passion for his profession started when he was young and it has flourished throughout his 34 years at the station. His on-air performance has garnered recognition in the form of multiple Chicago/Midwest Emmys for “Individual Excellence on Camera.” The American Meteorological Society honored Vince with the national award of “Outstanding Service by a Broadcast Meteorologist”. His leadership in the AMS reached new heights when he served as chairman of the Society’s Board on Broadcast Meteorology.

Off camera, Vince has spent countless hours donating his time and energy to charitable and community efforts. His signature campaigns include “Condella’s Coats for Kids” and “Walk for Wishes.” Both events began over 20 years ago and Vince is still as passionate about them today as he was the day they started. Vince’s efforts have helped over thousands of children face Wisconsin winters with much needed protection. Make-A-Wish honored Vince with their highest honor, the W.I.S.H. Award (Winner in Sharing Happiness). He has served as the chairperson of the “Walk for Wishes” campaign since its inception 28 years ago. His ardent support of the Foundation and its Wish families has resulted in over $3 million to support the Make-A-Wish mission. Add to that, his tireless work for local humane societies, holiday toy drives and food collections and you begin to get a glimpse of how fortunate Milwaukee is to have him here.

To celebrate Vince’s career at WITI, the station will be planning special events in the month of May. Tune in to hear from some of your favorite celebrities (some of them a blast from the past!) Be sure to mark the date for May 5, as FOX 6 and House of Harley will be hosting a farewell party for Vince at the dealership. FOX 6 has other surprises in store and will have those details as we get closer to May.