Steve Caporizzo: "I know it is time"

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - I have some very important news that I want to share with you.

This is something my wife Lisa and I have been thinking about for the past couple of years. As you get older, you look at time so much differently. I want you all to know that I am retiring from weather on June 30th this year. It is difficult because I truly love my job and all the people I work with, but I know it is time. Lisa and I will have more time together, and more time with our fur kids which is the most important thing.

Could I do this forever, absolutely. I have lived out a dream forecasting and talking about weather with all of you. It is something that I have loved since I was 8 years old. There is not one day I came to work and wasn't excited about my job. My News Director Ryan and General Manager Jerry said they wanted me for another 5 years, but in my heart it is time to leave.

It's hard to believe I've been forecasting professionally since 1980. My first job was doing radio weather for a small station in Brattleboro, Vermont, which I still do to this day. I've been on TV since 1983 when it all started in Bangor, Maine. It's gone by way too fast.

My dear friend Elisa Streeter, someone that I worked with for over 30 years once told me when I asked "How do you know when it is time to retire?" She said "You will know Steve," and she was right.

To all of YOU... I love you all, you are part of my extended family. You have watched me in your homes for over 35 years. You have been so gracious and kind. Without you, I would have never made it this long. To my fellow employees, especially my weather team, and the anchors I see every day, you are all the best. You made coming to work so much fun. I know that I work with the best people in the business and you are my friends forever.

This job has given Lisa and I so much. We have been able to meet truly amazing people, made lifelong friends, and of course been able to help thousands of pets. NEWS10 ABC allowed me to do my second passion in life, to give homeless animals a second chance at life. Over the years it has even become more important to us. Thank you to the entire Pet Connection Family for all you have done for the past 35 years.

So what is next? Well you have me for another 6 months. I am going to love every single day of it. I'm so happy with the weather team we have. You will be in great hands with Rob, Matt, Kevin and Jordan. They have been so willing to work hard and learn all of my tricks of the trade forecasting here.

Lisa has been my rock, always by my side and so supportive. My job requires so much time, not only at work but with all the functions and fundraisers we do. Many weekends we are booked each year, but she is always there for me, by my side.

Sometimes I have felt like we are two ships sailing in the night. Lisa works days, and I work nights. We've made it work for 27 years. Finally, we will be able to enjoy nights together relaxing.

The thing I've always felt guilty about is whenever there is a big storm, blizzards, ice storms, floods or severe thunderstorms, I have to leave. She is home to hold down the fort without me, when I know it will be difficult, especially with big snowstorms. I'm not there to help, now I will be. I'll be there for her, Lisa deserves that and I get to spend so much more time with my fur kids. They are our children.

Now what happens after June 30th, I will be 100% done doing the weather on TV. Yes, I'll still be posting a bit about the weather on my social media pages, but most importantly, we can dedicate more time helping pets. This will free us up for more adoption events, fundraising, and yes, there will still be Pet Connection with me on NEWS10 ABC. I will do that until the day I physically can no longer do it. It will become my priority.

Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart. You have humbled me by allowing me to have a dream career. I love you all in Upstate NY and New England. We will be together doing the weather a bit longer.