Senator Rich Funke Biography
Senator Rich Funke is an American journalist and politician. He is currently the state senator for the 55th district of New York. Funke is a Republican who defeated Democratic incumbent Ted O’Brien. Funke was elected to the office on November 4, 2014. Before the elections, Funke was a news anchor and sports director for WHEC-TV, the NBC affiliate station in Rochester, New York. He was a journalist for almost 40 years.
Senator Rich Funke Age | Family
Funke was born on 30 January 1949. He is 70 years old. Funke is the son of Alan Funke and Betty Funke. He also has a brother named Chuck Funke.
Senator Rich Funke Education | Career
Funke graduated from Adelphi University where he played quarterback and earned a degree in business.
Journalism
Funke is a former radio disk jockey, radio and television journalist and television sports reporter and news anchor in Rochester, NY. He started his career in broadcasting at WBTA in Batavia, New York. Funke later worked as a news reader and reporter at WHAM in Rochester before moving in 1972 to WAXC a top 40 station as its news director.
After WAXC he was brought on as a sports director at WHEC-TV in 1974. After a stint at WTVJ-TV in Miami, Florida from 1980 to 1981. Funke then returned to Rochester and his previous position at WHEC-TV. Funke became the primary anchor of the evening news at 5, 6, 7 and 11 p.m. at WHEC-TV before retiring in 2012 as one of the main faces of the station.
Political career
In March 2014 Funke announced his candidacy for the 55th senate district seat against incumbent Democrat Ted O’Brien. After a closely contested race between the two candidates, Funke defeated O’ Brien with 56% of the vote. Despite the district being significantly gerrymandered, it remains a competitive seat. Despite this, Funke ran unopposed in 2016.
In 2018, he was a top Democratic target, ultimately winning re-election against Democrat Jen Lunsford 52% to 48%.
Senator Rich Funke Wife | Children
Rich is married to Pat Fragnito. The couple has been married for 49 years. The pair is blessed with two children. A son Rich Funke Jr and a daughter Melissa Funke.
Senator Rich Funke Jr Obituary | Cause Of Death
Funke, Richard J.r suddenly passed away at the age of 30 years old. July 1, 1970 – June 3, 2001, Rich Jr. had died of coronary artery disease. He was only 30. “When you lose a child, it leaves a hole in your heart,” Funke says.
Senator Rich Funke Electronic Recycling
Funke has hosted a number of Electronics Recycling Events. Sponsored by Senator Rich Funke, Spectrum and Sunnking.
Senator Rich Funke Office
DISTRICT OFFICE
230 Packett’s LandingFairport, NY 14450
Phone: (585) 223-1800 Fax: (585) 223-3157.ALBANY OFFICE
Legislative Office Building, Room 415
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2215
Fax: (518) 426-6745
Senator Rich Funke Senate
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Senator Rich Funke Voting Record
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Senator Rich Funke District Map
New York’s 55th Senate District is incredibly diverse, stretching from the shores of Lake Ontario, through Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts, and south to the Finger Lakes wine country. It includes the towns of Victor, East Bloomfield, West Bloomfield, Richmond, Bristol, South Bristol, Canadice, and Naples in Ontario County and the towns of Rush, Mendon, Pittsford, Perinton, Penfield, East Rochester, and Irondequoit, plus the east side of the City of Rochester in Monroe County.
Senator Rich Funke Election Results | Opponent
Funke announced his candidacy for the 55th senate district seat against incumbent Democrat Ted O’Brien. After a closely contested race between the two candidates, Funke defeated O’ Brien with 56% of the vote. Despite the district being significantly gerrymandered, it remains a competitive seat. Funke ran unopposed in 2016. in 2018, he was a top Democratic target, ultimately winning re-election against Democrat Jen Lunsford 52% to 48%.
Awards and honors
Funke received the James H. Ellery Memorial Award for Television for his coverage of the Rochester Americans in 1977 and 1986. Funke was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in December 2012 shortly after his retirement. On December 27, 2014, the Rochester Lancers of the Major Arena Soccer League inducted Funke into the Rochester Lancers Wall of Fame as one of Rochester’s soccer pioneers.
Funke was the television play-by-play announcer for the original Rochester Lancers of the North American Soccer League.
Senator Rich Funke Twitter
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