Dick Goddard

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Dick Goddard is a meteorologist, author, cartoonist, and animal activist from Cleveland, Ohio. His lengthy career, hosting of special public events, and affection for animals has made him a popular figure in the Northeast Ohio region.

Goddard began his weather career while taking classes on meteorology during a stint with the United States Air Force in the early 1950s. During this time, Goddard's most notable assignment was forecasting for atmospheric nuclear weapons tests by the United States Atomic Energy Commission in the Pacific.

After graduating from Kent State University in 1960 he joined the weather team at KYW-TV Cleveland a year later. In 1966 Goddard became the chief meteorologist at WJW TV8 where he continues his career more than forty years later.

In 1972 Goddard created the first annual Woollybear Festival, a day-long family event dedicated to teaching children about the weather and animals. Some of the events include a caterpillar race, animal costume contests, musical performances and more. The Woollybear Festival continues to this day in Vermilion, Ohio.

Goddard’s classic broadcaster voice, lengthy tenure in Cleveland media, and involvement with late night comedy sketch shows Hoolihan and Big Chuck and later Big Chuck and Little John have made him somewhat of a cult figure.

Goddard is also the author and illustrator of two books, Dick Goddard’s Weather Guide for Northeast Ohio and Dick Goddard’s Almanac for Northeast Ohio. He is one of the longest active members of the American Meterological Society, with an AMS seal of 45.^[1]