Family: Former WPXI reporter, host, anchor Ron Jaye has died

PITTSBURGH — The Channel 11 Family is mourning the loss of longtime reporter, host and anchor Ron Jaye.

Jaye was born Ronald Krauth in Buffalo, New York in 1934.  He was a veteran of Pittsburgh television from 1965 until his retirement in 2000. Most of those years were spent at Channel 11, known as WIIC until 1981, and then WPXI.

Jaye was the first host of a late-night television talk show in Pittsburgh. But he started his career as a disc jockey in Buffalo, and a host in Cleveland. According to his obituary, sent to us by his daughter, Jaye considered Pittsburgh his “adopted” hometown, and he gave a very full career for Pittsburgh viewers.

Jaye was proud of his two “firsts” in Pittsburgh television. He hosted “Hotline” at WIIC, and he anchored Pittsburgh’s first 5:30 p.m. newscast on WPXI. He anchored the morning and noon news at WPXI for many years, before returning to the field to report as the Beaver/Butler Bureau Chief until his retirement in 2000.

Jaye passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He leaves behind Mary Jane, his wife of nearly 60 years. He was the father of four children, and he had nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, (412) 460-3663.

Pharmacy leans on elected leaders for help getting COVID-19 vaccine doses

Cox Media Group