Who was Frank Camacho? All about beloved Arizona anchor and his family as he dies at 75

According to a recent article by arizonafamily.com, longtime television anchor Frank Camacho died at the age of 75.

Camacho's family released a statement that he had been battling cancer for a long time and died on Friday.

Before switching to television, Camacho started his career in radio at KRUX in 1975 and KTAR in 1978.

"Frank was a respected journalist known for his objective, intelligent, and witty style." Camacho's family posted on Facebook

He later became one of the first Hispanic news anchors in Arizona, helping break down barriers in local journalism. As a reporter, anchor, and the original host of "Politics Unplugged," Camacho worked for KTVK and KPHO for more than 30 years.

Camacho covered the Valley's 1977 and 1978 100-year floods with KTAR News.

Outside of the anchor desk, Camacho was a social justice activist, a devoted Catholic, and a lifetime follower of the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks.

An announcement for a celebration of life will be made later. The family has requested that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Kino Border Initiative, Hospice of the Valley, and the Cancer Research Institute, all of which held a special place in Frank's heart.

About Frank Camacho

Born and raised in Laveen, Frank Camacho was considered a pioneer in Arizona journalism.

Camacho graduated from South Mountain High School and went to Phoenix College for further studies. After completing his studies, he began working at local radio stations, including KRUX and KTAR, and later joined the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

Frank Camacho later entered the world of television news at quite a competitive time in metro Phoenix. There, he worked as a reporter first at KPHO and KTVK, also handling weekend news as an anchor.

Interviews with US Presidents Barack Obama and Gerald Ford are among his career highlights. In 2007, he also received the Silver Circle Award from the National Television Academy.

In 2012, Camacho left TV news to work as the communications director for the Democratic Party of Arizona. However, he remained a news buff for the rest of his life.

“I still keep tabs on what’s going on. Once you’re in the news business, once you’re a journalist, I guess you always are.” Frank Camacho said in an interview with Arizona Republic in 2019

Six children, Frank Jr., Matthew, Melissa, Ana, Marlo, Mark, and their spouses, as well as his wife, Margie, survive him. He has ten grandchildren as well.

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Apart from being a famous television anchor, Frank Camacho was also a passionate social justice activist and a dedicated Catholic. He was also a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants.

Frank Camacho left behind a legacy of love and priceless memories that his loved ones will never forget.

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