New Jersey Rock Star Mourns Comedy Legend, Fellow Native

Thousands of people are mourning the death of iconic New Jersey comedian Florio Vivino, better known as “Uncle Floyd,” including fellow New Jerseyan Jon Bon Jovi.

Vivino’s television program, “The Uncle Floyd Show,” aired on several channels in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania for several decades, and gave Bon Jovi his start in 1981.

More: Beloved NJ Comedian, TV Star, Musician Dead At 74

“Uncle Floyd gave me a shot on his show first. Before anyone. Thank you Floyd. Rest easy my friend,” Bon Jovi posted on social media.

Vivino, who died Thursday at the age of 74, would often showcase bands and musicians on his program. See Bon Jovi’s “Uncle Floyd Show” debut below:

The show was a parody of children's shows like “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” and featured zany skits, jokes, and musical performances, including some by Vivino himself, who was a pianist.

Bon Jovi wasn’t the only musician who was a fan of the “Uncle Floyd Show,” as music icons David Bowie and John Lennon were considered members of the cult following. Bowie mentioned Uncle Floyd in his 2002 song, “Slip Away,” and has said that he thought the show was “a hoot.”

Also mourning the comedian was Andre Sayegh, the mayor of Vivino’s hometown of Paterson.

“Uncle Floyd was like family to me. My mother laughed at all of his jokes and my wife thoroughly enjoyed his comedic routine,” Sayegh wrote. “Sadly, one of the funniest Patersonians to ever live has left this life. May Floyd Vivino rest in eternal peace.”

After more than 7,000 episodes, the Uncle Floyd Show ended in 1992, with reruns airing until 1998.

Vivino would continue to perform for several decades on stages across the east coast, bringing back beloved characters and skits from his television show.

Vivino’s family will be hosting a private funeral with a memorial celebration of life to be announced at a later date.