CT Radio Personality John LaBarca, Of 'Italian House Party' Fame, Dies

BRIDGEPORT, CT — John Labarca, the popular Connecticut radio personality who hosted "Italian House Party," has died at age 75, according to social media posts and the news blog Only in Bridgeport.

According to his obituary, Labarca died at Village Green in Bristol on May 30, after a "valiant battle with cancer."

The radio host was known for his upbeat personality, and in addition to "Italian House Party," Labarca was also the morning radio host on WICC for 20 years, reported The Laurel.

Tributes to Labarca poured into his Facebook page on Tuesday as news spread about his death.

"RIP my friend," wrote Jim Santa Barbara. "I will never forget the countless hours of great radio you gave us."

"John, thank you for many years of music & laughter!" wrote Rosanne Ciliberto Reyes. "You were Italian House Party! Rest in Peace."

Most recently, Labarca hosted Italian House Party on WHLI, an easy listening Long Island station.

"It’s three fun-filled hours of some of the best Italian music ever recorded, stories, anecdotes and Italian history as can only be told by John LaBarca!" the station wrote in its description of the show.

Calling hours will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on June 4 at Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford; click here for more information. Services for Labarca will be private.

Read the Only in Bridgeport story.