Big retirement surprise for Vince Condella: The Vince Condella Weather Center at WITI

BROWN DEER -- FOX6's Vince Condella showed up for his last day at the office on Wednesday, May 25th -- and we wouldn't let him anywhere near his office. He was kept fairly occupied in the atrium outside the FOX6 Newsroom, where a luncheon was held to celebrate his retirement after 34 years with WITI.

Vince Condella

Former interns and co-workers were on hand to wish Vince well, along with invited guests from Vince's favorite local charities -- the Wisconsin Humane Society and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

"On behalf of the families you've helped, the children you've helped who don't have access to coats for the winter, thank you very much," Anne Brown, director of strategy and marketing at WITI said.

There was praise from those who will succeed him.

Vince Condella

"That passion for what he does, that caring for what he does, leading by example, setting a high standard for what he did in the weather office and for himself," FOX6's Rob Haswell said.

After a proclamation from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was read by FOX6's General Manager Chuck Steinmetz -- proclaiming May 25th "Vince Condella Day" in Milwaukee, there was a permanent "thank you" for Vince.

The FOX6 weather office was renamed. It is now the "Vince Condella Weather Center."

The Vince Condella Weather Center

When his composure was reclaimed after that big surprise, it was time for the man of the day to speak. He read a prophetic inscription of a book his parents gave him as a kid.

Vince Condella

"Son, may we see you on TV someday replacing Harry Volkman," Vince read.

He may not have replaced that Chicago icon -- but instead, he became one in Milwaukee, and left the way he worked -- with class.

"Live life proud of the time you had. I could not be as proud to work at this TV station for more than half my life and being a part of this team -- and, you know, it takes a village to put a newscast on every day. Thank you for being here today and honoring me. I will always remember you. Much peace and love to you," Condella said.