Kevin Edward Thomas Hale

August 15, 1951 - December 26, 2025

Kevin was the son of the late Richard and Celia Hale. For much of his childhood, his family resided in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.

Being noticed for his artistic abilities at St. Cecilia’s High School in nearby Englewood Cliffs, he later attended the School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design across the river in New York City, receiving a degree in illustration.

Though the majority of his working life, 34 years, was spent as a graphics designer and computer animator for NBC Network News, he enjoyed myriad occupations, more than 30, during his lifetime.

Some notable endeavors over the years included tending bar at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, working as a buffet chef at The Playboy Club of Miami, and teaching tennis as a pro at the Country Club of Miami. He also served as art director at Avanti Press, and as a graphics designer at Channel 10 Miami.

Kevin married his love, Denise, in 1983, and they moved to Westchester County, New York, where he began his career at NBC. He mainly worked on “The Today Show” as a pioneer in the ever-changing world of television graphics. He was one of the early masters of the Dubner, Quantel Paintbox and HAL systems, with his work honored by Broadcast Designer Association awards and Emmy nominations.

One perk of his job at 30 Rockefeller Plaza was meeting so many of the show’s guests. To name-drop a few -- Charlton Heston, Paul McCartney, Julie Andrews, Tom Cruise, James Galway, Alf, and multiple U.S. presidents. Kevin was often able to receive autographed photos for his children, Conor and Caitlin, of their favorite celebrities. One particularly special memory was giving Mr. Fred Rogers a tour of his work area, and later receiving a hand-written thank you note, which he treasured.

Kevin retired in 2015, and he and Denise moved to St. James Plantation in 2020. He never drove down “The Green Mile” entering St. James without expressing his joy of living there. He was known throughout his life for his warmth, his quirky humor, and detail-rich storytelling. He had a love of history, art and music, as well as Corvettes. Kevin, with his kindness and curiosity, had the ability to make a friend with anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Kevin leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Denise, his son Conor & his wife Julie, his grandchildren, Simon & Evelyn, and his daughter Caitlin. He is also survived by his sister Kathy & her husband Ron, his nephews, Matthew & Andrew, and predeceased by his nephew Michael. All will cherish his memory.

The Funeral Mass will be held at noon on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, North Carolina. The family will have visitation on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.