 Even though Chuck was born and raised in Chicago, the Detroit metro area is now home.He has lived in Michigan longer than any other place, for 25-years.
Chuck was raised on the north side of Chicago in a neighborhood not much different than Hamtramck or Royal Oak. His parents worked in a factory for much of his life. Chuck's mom and dad are now retired and live in Warren, Michigan. The oldest of three children, Chuck grew up in a loving Catholic family. A family where grandparents and extended family members mattered greatly. Chuck's younger brother Chris and sister Gigi now reside in Michigan as well.
While growing up, Chuck found himself involved in many different activities. He was "gifted" in science and math. Originally he thought that medicine would be his future but God had other plans!
By the way, it's okay to call Chuck a Boy Scout! He made it to Life Scout and Order of the Arrow before his troop disbanded from the local United Methodist Church. Not wanting to give up on scouting, Chuck turned to Exploring where he eventually found himself President of an Explorer post. He even attended the national Explorer conference in Washington, DC.
Being overweight much of his young life, Chuck found a life changing situation at age 18. Chuck's weight had climbed to 260-pounds. He had dieted all of his life but somehow, something changed! The weight started coming off. Chuck went from a size 44" waist to a 33" in less than 6-months time. His weight had leveled off to 225lbs when like a flash the rest peeled off. In 90-days, Chuck lost 50 more pounds and weighed in at 175lbs. Chuck says that prayer and a new found willpower showed him the way. This period of time changed his outlook on life and helped to change him forever. He frequently speaks about overcoming adversity and loosing weight.
Chuck now took his new outlook and studied his list of life skills. Strong abilities in science and math and interest in communications and journalism led Chuck to a new adventure in life. He combined all of these skills and set out for Southern Illinois University to pursue a career in broadcasting. After his first year, Chuck was "discovered" by a television station in need of a new weekday meteorologist. Like professional athletes Chuck had to decide what to do. He choose the pro route and left SIU for Evansville, Indiana. Check out Chuck's Professional Resume.
Along his journey, Chuck studied meteorology with the help of the  National Weather Service. Chuck's many professional Adventures also brought much to his understanding of the environment and atmosphere.Visiting the Amazon rain forest in Peru and volcanoes in Hawaii were a couple of Chuck's journey's. While in Evansville, Chuck met his wife Susan. Chuck says it was love at first sight!
Now like many in broadcasting, Chuck's career took him on a tour of the United States. First Evansville, Indiana, next it was off to Cape Girardeau, Missouri and then Chuck and Susan landed in Little Rock, Arkansas. All of these moves in less than 3-years. Just as the Gaidica's were settling down, the call came from Detroit. "How would you like to move?" Chuck wasn't sure but the move proved a big success! Chuck was hired by WJBK-TV in Detroit at age 23 to assume the primary weather duties on weeknights. While at that station, Chuck filled in on the CBS Morning News as primary substitute meteorologist for 2-years.
 Tempted to leave Detroit for Chicago on two separate occasions, Chuck decided to stay put. He moved to WDIV-TV in Detroit in 1987. Chuck considers this move as the best in his broadcasting career. Again the network had called. This time NBC asked Chuck to fill-in for Al Roker on the Weekend Today Show on a regular basis. Chuck was elated!
As time went by, Chuck decided that WDIV and Detroit would remain home. Many offers to leave Detroit had come and gone but Chuck stayed in Detroit.
While Chuck was growing a career something else was growing, his family. Chuck now has five beautiful children from age 12 to 25. His oldest daughter is now at Wayne State University. All are great and wonderful kids! Chuck boasts of having 5 kids and various pets. And don't forget his wife Susan. Chuck says that his wife Susan is best mom around! Just ask him, but give him plenty of time to tell you about her!
Never too old to learn, Chuck got his private pilot license at age 37. He got scuba certified at age 40. He has also gotten Instrument rated for flying in the clouds. Frequent academic classes and workshops for professional and personal reasons keep this man sharp!
Chuck is a passionate environmentalist! He believes strongly in conservation and environmental education rooted in sound scientific principles. As the matter of fact, Chuck has participated in many river and lake cleanups and specifically got scuba certified to help cleanup Lake St. Clair while diving.
Chuck's newest goal is to shoot for an MBA in next few years. Chuck is always ready to get down to business. Chuck is currently president of several corporations including Gaidica Communications.
Chuck Gaidica remains a favorite of Michigan viewers and radio listeners all across the state and country.
Chuck and family attend the Northville First United Methodist Church. Chuck is affiliated with many worthy local and national charities. He encourages you to find one listed on the Charity page and get involved.
Chuck's hobbies include flying, jogging, gardening, and diving.
Chucks now serves as Board President for Tipping Point Theatre in Northville www.tippingpointheatre.org. Tipping Point is a professional theatre that continues to wow the audience and critics alike. Chuck's newest venture is www.cuddlealert.com where his famous Cuddle Alerts have come to life in clothing, toys and books. As with any venture Chuck is part of, Cuddlealert.com has a charitable component. Most of the proceeds from the company go to purchase more Cuddlebears that are given to firefighters and first responders to make a child feel better during times of tragedy and crisis!
To view Chuck's Professional Resume, click here. |
