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BORN

1927

DIED

2006

Marvin Fishman Obituary

Flippo, beloved King of Clowns, dies at age 79

Monday, June 12, 2006
FROM STAFF REPORTS

The laughter is gone.

Marvin Fishman, who entertained generations of Columbus TV fans as Flippo, the King of Clowns, died Saturday.

He was 79.

As readily recognized during his heyday as Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes, Fishman, whose stage name was Bob Marvin, was called "a comic genius" by co-workers during his career at WBNS-TV (Channel 10) and the pioneering cable service Qube.

For three decades, he delivered a mix of humor that drew off-duty firemen, college students, moms and schoolchildren to the TV.

"He was never corny or went for the cheap laugh. He was hip with a capital H," said Fritz "The Nite Owl" Peerenboom, who worked with Fishman for nearly two decades.

"Flippo would do his live stuff, and it existed on three levels: The kids picked up on it, the adults picked up on it and the hipsters picked up on it. There were so many ways to read between the lines."

The future TV star was born Jan. 6, 1927, in Cleveland. He made his first media appearance, singing on the radio, at age 8.

After an Army stint in Korea, Fishman enrolled at Ohio State University, starting in optometry, switching to journalism, then music.

While still at OSU, he was playing saxophone with a group appearing at the Neil House in 1950. A Channel 10 producer offered him a job singing and performing in sketches on the Homemaker’s Hobnob morning show.

In 1952, the Ward Baking Co. and J. Walter Thompson ad agency asked WBNS to produce a clown show for children.

When a circus clown chickened out, Fishman auditioned and a legend was born.

Chuck White, public-affairs director at WBNS, called Fishman "a comic genius."

"It was basically adult humor, but, because he was a clown, it was funny to kids. If you were an adult, you could hear the subtext."

Tales of his antics on and off the set were legion, typically involving pranks and slapstick stunts with an adult twist.

In one gag, staff announcer Don Riggs as Santa Claus was reading letters from children — until Fishman, just out of camera range, poured a glass of cold eggnog into his boots.

"Oh, boys and girls," Riggs responded, "I’m up in the North Pole, and — oh! — it is cold and wet."

Ola Hanson, a trombone player with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, played with Fishman in the 1960s and with a group that recorded an opening for Flippo’s The Early Show.

"We recorded the music 10 or 12 times," Hanson said. "On the last one, I blew a note — I missed it completely. That’s the one he used. And every day when the music finished, he’d say, ‘Hey, Ola missed that note again.’ "

Fishman "made an art of the not-so-subtle," said John Markus, whose career as a sitcom writer and producer with such programs as The Cosby Show was inspired by childhood visits to see Flippo in action.

Despite being from the Midwest, Fishman had "a big component of the Borscht Belt, the Catskills in his cadence and joke-telling," Markus said. And, Fishman took risks: "It was television at its most robust."

In a 2004 Dispatch profile, Fishman spoke of seeing his enduring effect on central Ohioans in unlikely places. "I drove into a gas station, and a guy comes up to me and says, ‘You’re the guy who came up with ‘Nerk’ for Newark, and I want to shake your hand,’ " Marvin recalled.

"I said, ‘Why?’ And he said, ‘Look at my license plate.’

"It said, ‘Nerk.’ "

In December 2005, Fishman donated his clown costume, photographs and other memorabilia to the Ohio Historical Society.

Although Fishman was indisputably a star, friends noted that he was humble despite his celebrity. He spent 27 years at Channel 10 and six more at Qube, ending in 1983.

In recent years, Fishman was unable to enjoy his musical talent because of breathing problems — "all the places have smoke," he complained — and he missed performing. He said last year, "If there’s an afterlife, I want to be playing tenor sax on a cloud with Glenn Miller’s band."

Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Jun. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Fishman

Not sure what to say?





274 Entries

He played in my cousin's band. He was great and I never missed a day of watching him. He truly entertained everyone both young and old. He once came to our elementary school and preformed for us during a PTA meeting!!!! He's still being missed!!!!!

Steve Caito

Other

December 26, 2023

I loved Flippo the clown in the afternoons!!! I grew up in Columbus,Ohio but now Live in New England. His humor, quick wit humility and jokes kept me entertained as a 9 year old!!

I remember when he left WBNS and went to cable tv in its infancy.

But Flippo Clown will always hold a special place in my heart!
Rest In Peace!

H. Richardson

Other

October 20, 2023

Picture it; 1962. My family had stopped at a gas station for fuel at the same time as Flippo. He was in full costume and makeup and driving his tiny little car. Somehow he found the room in that little car and took the time to take my brother and I for a ride a few times around the block while our parents waited. I'll never forget that kindness Flippo showed my brother and I. What a thrill that was.

Randy S.

September 29, 2022

So many wonderful hours spent as a kid with Bob Flippo Marvin. Loved all the classic movies. The games. All pure fun in the 60s and 70s. We need you still Flippo. I still see him flying around the skating rink, yes Flippo ice skated. No other like him. He was a kind person with a great sense of humor. Now I am 65 and still wish I could spend time with him. Loved you sir.

Al

Other

February 15, 2022

I met Flippo twice, once in 1961, I was 8 years old, at a Grand Opening of Press Pharmacy at Hudson and Joyce Ave and was so excited to see a TV star at arm's length I couldn't sleep that night and many years later at a Home and Garden Show at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. By this time, I was in my late 20's and still just as excited to meet a man that still had the charisma and charm, he showed 20 years earlier. There will never be another one like him and Thanks Bob for the memories!

Rex

February 10, 2022

Flippo was one of the hightlights of day in our household coming up. Living in Columbus and Newark in the 60s and 70s we always tuned in at 4. He was the greatest, I was just thinking randomly, of the according file from his show. Man, what good times.

Dennis L. Purvis

Other

November 4, 2021

Thank you for all the joy you bought me and my sister gowning up when school let out i would hurry home do my home work and then FILPPO time find peace

Charles Angle

Friend

March 25, 2021

I would like to say how fortunate I was to have had "Flippo" around when I was a kid. He was a very funny and caring person who made my after school hours "better" everyday...I am 61 years old now, but still have very fond memories of him..I am sure you are very proud of him..

Kevin Prickett

Friend

December 31, 2020

Please view "TV CLOWN: the True Story of Flippo, the King of Clowns" that was authorized by MWF himself. He tells the story from his living room so you know we got it right.

His advice when I first met him: "Don't get OLD!"

Please visit his official Facebook page for more great tales and pictures:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/288933307880697/

And as always, may The King's slogan remind you of him:

"Love ya, keep smiling and don't fight!"

Frank Cromer

March 7, 2020

I grew up in Columbus watching Flippo. Watching his show kept me from being scarred while my mother was at work. I loved that man. I am 74
There will never be any on like him again
Jim

Jim Moore

March 6, 2020

I just thought of Flippo for some reason , I think it was the music that used to play when he came on. I used to watch him when I got off the school bus. I always wondered who he really was , now I know. Rip Flippo thank you for the great memorys

Mark Sockman

February 13, 2020

Well - I guess I'm not the only one. For some reason, an old Flippo "bit" came into my mind a few minutes ago. He would dramatically ask, " How can you say I'm selfish.... (then singing ) when I sell fish for you?" I stole a lot of stuff from him when I was a kid. I really missed my calling as a stand-up comic. It was supposedly a kids' show, but he never pandered. His material was pretty adult. Loved ya, Flippo!

MaryJo Moorhead

July 21, 2019

Rest in peace.

Vicki Wills

May 31, 2019

My condolelences to his family. He was so much part of my childhood . I and my brothers and sisters watched him on WBNS Tv growing up, he bought a lot of joy . He will be missed.
Rest in peace, Marvin.

Vicki Wills

May 31, 2019

Salome Avery

March 5, 2019

Week days at 4 o'clock on channel 10. I would watch Filppo and his movies.
I got to see him in person at Marion Ohio , that was so exciting.
He was part of my wonderful memories.
Wish there were more like him and his show today .
Thank you

Loretta Steele

February 19, 2019

Will always treasure watching Flippo after school. Thanks for the laughs..RIP

Teresa Tharan

August 8, 2018

I loved Flippo!!! I just saw part of a TV show where someone was going to be on a TV children's show with a clown. I immediately thought of Flippo!! I grew up watching him from Thornville, Ohio on Channel 10. Thank you for all the joy and laughter Flippo!

Jane Hartman

July 20, 2018

How sad!I'm in my 50's and remember rushing home from school to watch Flippo! I loved him so much I begged my parents to buy me a large plaster full body bank of him,which I still have! My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and close friends! Sincerely,Karen G.

Karen Gerome

March 22, 2018

Before I moved to Hawaii in 2003 I lived in Worthington. I would see his car with the "Flippo" tag at the Big Bear at N High and Lazell rf. I'd always say BOSCO.... bosco. He was kind and always took time to chat. His show "Fliippo" wonderful childhood memort. RIH Fluppo.

Denise Williams

March 16, 2018

I loved Flippo growing up in the 60s and 70s. I would get off of the school bus and race in the house to see Flippo. I loved the great old movies I saw. I still have a love for old movies from the golden age of Hollywood, all because of him. I also have a husband and 4 adult children that I have educated on old movies over the past 35 years, not to mention their best friends! I always tell them about Flippo! I wrote Flippo a letter once and he read it on the air, it was quite a thrill for a kid! I remember I spelled his name wrong...Flipo and he said, :""Dear Fly-po" , which was hilarious! I never liked clowns but he never seemed like a clown to me, he was just Flippo, funny and I loved him! He will always be remembered by the kids he impacted growing up and in many cases their kids!

Hannah Gardner

July 31, 2017

will never forget the time i saw him climb out of the old izetta too funny musta been on dennison ave in 1962

wayne johnson

June 5, 2017

I enjoyed watching him as Flippo every day after school in the 70's. I had a 19" B/W TV in my room and waited for 4 pm.

Jeff Hughes

March 24, 2017

Flippo was the exception. He was endearing. An after school buddy who i remember with affection ❤

Laura Rosko

September 21, 2016

Growing up, i had the pleasure of knowing, flippo the clown. I was friends with his son, jay. We played little league baseball together ,and talked to flippo many times. His car was the greatest!!!! May you rest in peace and continue to make others laugh.

stephen bukey

April 12, 2016

You brought joy, laughter and happiness in to so many lives, more than you ever knew. Thank you! Rest in Peace!

Dale Murphy

March 12, 2016

My dad played saxophone wth Mr. Fishman at Ohio State University School of Music. I stumbled on his obituary today and it brought back great memories of watching Flippo as a child. Nothing like growing up in Central Ohio in the 60's and 70's with great shows such as Flippo!

Deborah Kerth

January 2, 2016

Many happy memories. RIP

Todd Goldberg

December 19, 2015

After all these years, we still talk about you. You made me laugh and smile as a kid. i thank you for those wonderful memories.

Dale Gurvis

December 16, 2015

I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and loved Flippo. I entered a drawing for a new bicycle at Sandy's (a fast food restaurant) in the early sixties and won. I won and got to go on the Fippo show for the announcement. I was scared to go but my dad knew Flippo and he told me not to worry that Bob Marvin was his friend. My dad was a theatrical agent and musician in Columbus, Louis Posey. Sorry to learn that he passed away.

Brenda Thomas

June 13, 2015

Growin' up in Ohio would have never been as cool without Flippo! Miss ya buddy.

Mike Rawlins

April 3, 2015

Dear Flippo, you made my college years so much brighter and happier! Thanks for all the smiles!

ER

February 20, 2015

Gone but not forgotten. "I Wish You Love"

Darla Routson

December 25, 2014

RIP FLIPPO, you are the greatest. I enjoyed watching your program, i made sure i was home from school to see FLIPPO the clown, a child back then could not ask for more. 2bad we could not record your show back then. LUV U FLIPPO. DeWitt

December 21, 2014

Gone But Not Forgotten, Thank You for the joy you brought to my life, All My Love, Teri Byers/Haning

Teri Byers/Haning

December 13, 2014

Forever in my heart. Even at 60.

Elissa

October 4, 2014

the very finest days of my youth were spent watching Flippo the Clown...and to this day, I tell my Grandkids about him.

Teresa Garrison-Windmiller

October 4, 2014

When I was young I would run home to see "The Early Show" little did know I would I'd be working with him at Qube. And the funny with still there. I remember after America Goes Bananaz wrapped up I seen him one summer,I was a young man no tee shirt at The Ohio State Fair he looked at me didn't miss a beat and said "Wow you are still black and all over." and I said yea and you will a two toned white clown, he laughed so hard. The funniest human I've ever met.
Love ya Clown

Jerry McCloud

July 10, 2014

When I was young I would run home to see "The Early Show" he was so funny, little did know I would I'd be working with him at Qube. And the funny with still there. I remember after America Goes Bananaz wrapped up I see him one summer,I some a young man no tee shirt at The Ohio State Fair he looks at me didn't miss a beat and said "Wow you are still black and all over." and I said yea and you will a two toned white clown, he laughed so hard. The funniest human I've ever met.
Love ya Clown

Jerry McCloud

July 10, 2014

Bob, you made the world a better place.
You are still remembered with more affection and respect than you can imagine.

Hope to see you again....

Mike Renz

June 16, 2014

Flippo, you practically raised my little sister and me! We were Latch-Key Kids and you were our afternoon entertainment. You delighted us 'til one of the parents came home. I have fond memories of you, Flippo. Thanks for being there for me! God bless you!

Laura Rennie Prochaska

April 9, 2014

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ! I WOULD SIT AND WATCH YOU ON THE AIR, AND YOU BROUGHT LAUGHTER TO THE WORLD. YOU WILL MISSED, BUT WELL-KNOWN AS FLIPPO..

CAROL STORTS ( ELSWICK)

January 31, 2014

remember you well always enjoyed your show you capt kangaroo lucys toy shop but you were my favorite miss you flippo

patrick WHITEHAIR

December 16, 2012

RIP Flippo. You brought much joy to my life. In the third grade, I was on your show, donating monies collected from my fellow Groveport Elementary 3rd graders for the Heart Fund. You asked me in the interview how I came to have money to donate; I explained that my mother paid me a nickel to practice the piano. Not missing a beat, you replied that your uncle used to pay you a quarter NOT to play the saxaphone! :) And I still remember that witty reparte nearly 47 years later. Thank you for a life well lived.

October 5, 2012

I loved the days without worry and being a kid - my brother James (Jason) Abdon, would fight over what to watch - it seemed to alternate between Flippo and the Mouseketeers - when he was into flippo - I wasn't as much and vice versa - but, we both loved him and the show was just so unique - he was great with kids, showed real compassion - I am now 53 yrs old, my older brother is 56 yrs. old. Will always be in our memories. God Bless!!

Cheryl Abdon-Wolford

January 19, 2008

FLIPPO was an icon to those of us who grew up during his reign. Our own children would be blessed if we still had him in our lives today!

Time to bring out the re-runs.

Teresa Windmiller

August 9, 2006

My sincere condolences to Mr. Fishman and his family.



He (and his alter ego Flippo) brought me a lot of laughs and joy as a kid.



He was a huge part of my childhood, along with Lucy's Toyshop and Capt. Kangaroo. The three of them seem to be a hallmark of growing up in Central Ohio.

Brent H.

August 1, 2006

Hey hey, this is Frank Cromer, Da Clown's Right Hand Man, and I want to tell you that if you just got the BAD NEWS, I want you to change yer mindset, FLIPPO LIVES! (he's just changin' coils) So leave yer sweet memories and enjoy flippotheclown.com for your official flippo site... there are plenty of FLIPPO TV SHOWS to come on Cowtown, er, Columbus TV. Love ya, keep smilin' and don't fight! (or so says the grrreat Clown in the Sky!)

Frank Cromer

July 8, 2006

Watching Flippo on TV after school with my MOM is one of my favorite childhood memories. My love and appreciation for old movies is thanks to you. We were all so lucky to have you in our lives when we were growing up. Thank you Flippo. You are missed. My deepest sympathy to your family.

Janet Miller

July 5, 2006

July 4, 2006

Farewell, Flip. Thanks for many, many laughs in my childhood days.



As you used to say when introducing a cartoon, "One, two, three, whoop, BOING!"

Tom Dusenbery

June 29, 2006

I like so many others grew up with Flippo. He was the "show" although the segments of the Little Rascals served as a pacifier while he was not on the air. I once saw him act on a live episode of "Traffic Court" but he couldn't fool me..I knew by the voice that that person didn't really have a speeding ticket. It was none other than the "King of the Clowns." As I grew older I picked up on some of his double meanings and learned to appreciate his humor even more. I sent him an email recently,asking him whatever happened to the sign "I Goofed" that he so prominately displayed on his set. I then just recently heard of his passing. I will truly miss him but, thanks Flippo, for the memories.

Robert K.. Oates, Esq.

June 27, 2006

I grew up beleiving that "Flippo" was the only clown in the whole world. I am 58 now and will always remember when he came to our elementary school in Columbus, West Mound St, elementary. There will always be a warm spot in my heart for "The King of Clowns". God bless.

John Howell

June 27, 2006

I was born and raised in Columbus. Graduated from West. Spent many many years listening to Flippo. To this day, my mother will reference a joke I tell her as a 'Flippo Joke' You will be missed. My prayers from Iraq.

Richard Martin

June 27, 2006

My prayers go out to your entire family, friends and the million of viewers who enjoyed his programs. Recently I read a scripture that says that God is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves (Psalms 34:18). I was so comforted by the scripture and I hope you are too. My prayer is that you can find comfort in this time of great grief.

The Banks Family

June 26, 2006

My deepest condolences. I used to work in a jewelry store in Heath, OH and Mr. Fishman "Flippo", would stroll right in, and he would stay, untill everyone in the store had a hugh smile on his or her face. For someone whom I barely knew, I will always love and admire him. Gods blessings be with you.

Dianne

June 23, 2006

terry maxwell

June 23, 2006

I couldn't wait to get home to watch the flippo show. If you had a bad day he made it better. He will be deeply missed. I will always remember FLIPPO, the KING of the clowns.

Terry LeMay

June 21, 2006

Blessings to the family of Marvin(Flippo)Fishman. Flippo, you were a huge part of many baby boomers lifes even if it was a few hours, Monday through Friday. I especially like the shows with Dan Imel. My dad would laugh the whole time.

With the passing of Lucy of Lucy's Toy Shop and now the great "Flippo", I guess we baby boomers are now officially grown up. Thanks for great memories.

Rita

Rita

June 20, 2006

I floor directed Flippo's show from late 1971 to about August of '73. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I just sent for one of the DVD's of the show. I can't believe he's gone.

doug waldo

June 19, 2006

Flippo was the one and only, undisputed King of Clowns. Why local television has become a thing of the past, I will never understand. Flippo was funny, cool, hip and a friend to all kids that grew up in Central Ohio. We will miss you Flippo/Bob Marvin/Marvin Fishman. God bless!

Mark Fegley

June 19, 2006

Growing up I loved the Flippo Show especially when it was Gene Autry night!

He touched so many lives and now he can keep Heaven in laughter for eternity.

Donna Sword

June 19, 2006

I, too, enjoyed watching Flippo every day. He will always be one of the fondest memories of my childhood. He would always cheer me up when I had a rough day in school.



Rest in Peace, Flippo

Tom Rittinger

June 18, 2006

Columbus and television has lost a truly unique person. I'll always

remember watching the Early Show and

Flippo's earlier programs as a kid.

Michael Herboltzheimer

June 17, 2006

Central Ohio has lost an icon with the passing of Bob marvin. I nor my husband never missed his show while growing up. I remember seeing him at Big Bear(Graceland Shopping Center)many times and the humor and wit was always a part of him. Our condolences to Bob's family and friends. Columbus will never be the same without his smile and voice. Flippo..until we meet again"Keep them laughing"!

Ken & Lisa (Siegwald)Baird

June 17, 2006

He was trully a legend I was on his show 3 diffrent times as a kid growing up and will never forget watching him at home everyday May he always keep God laughing

David Phillips

June 16, 2006

I could not wait to get home from school every day to watch the Early Show. Flippo was my favorite and if I was "grounded", my punishment was not being able to watch Flippo.

He always made us laugh....he was an original, talented and wonderful entertainer! He will be missed!

Michele

June 16, 2006

Bob will be missed by our entire family (especially by my dad and mom Tom & Marge Enright)! He was one of a kind and gave us some great memories. God Bless! Sincere sympathy to Bob's kids and grandkids.

Susan Cooper (Enright)

June 16, 2006

I grew up in Columbus in the 50's and 60's. My late father, Dick Anderson, and I loved watching Flippo just before supper. My dad was always impressed with Flippo's wit, his laugh, and that perfect comic timing. His genuine love of people and his humility never failed to guide his entertainment. He was able to entertain adults and children at the same time. We especially loved the music he brought us at the beginning of The Early Show (one piece he played often was "Lisbon Antigua," my dad's favorite. I met him once at Columbus Gymnastics Academy when there with my small son, Chris. I heard that unmistakable voice before I saw him and it brought back so many memories. He said, "Gee, what did I say? How did you know it was me?" I said, "How could anyone not know that voice? We appreciate you so much!" We all loved him and feel like a part of his family. Our heartfelt condolences to his children at this time.

Sharon (Anderson) Morgan

June 16, 2006

I never 'outgrew' Flippo!! I loved his show from the first time I saw it. In later years, my son also loved Flippo. We even got to meet and talk to him one year at the Ohio State Fair. He gave my son a t-shirt with Flippo's picture on it. My son was about 6-7. I still have the shirt. There was never or ever will be another clown like Flippo! He was the best!! I send my love and prayers to his family and friends. God bless.

Daisy Crabtree

June 16, 2006

I enjoyed him very much when I was a child and even when I got older. He brought many smiles to the young and old.

Kenneth C. Myers Sr.

June 16, 2006

Though I knew him as "Flppo" I best knew him as "Bouncin' Bob Marvin" when he played and sang with Chuck Selby's Orchestra at the old Seneca Hotel. Bob's own band played at the Club Gloria for a couple of "girl dancers" Ginger & Margie during the 1950's. An all around entertainer. He did it all.

Ginger (Boyer) Ritchie

June 15, 2006

Marveen, I'm really sorry to hear about your father, I would watch him on TV I wish they would show reruns of his show so my kids could watch it. I know they would get a kick out of it. I hope you remember me, I'vnt seen you in about 21 yrs. I would like to see you sometime.Like I said I'm sorry to hear about your father. BENITA CHILDERS (BISHOP) GREG'S SISTER. Your family is in my prayers.

BENITA BISHOP (CHILDERS)

June 15, 2006

Dear Columbus Ohio

It is sad to think that there are so many famlies/children out there that don't have a flippo to come home to at night. Flippo was an inspriations to us all. My children and my husband adored Flippo. Flippo after retiring from the T.V. would sometimes be seen at the UA MCL cafeteria and my husband would see Flippo often and we have many autographs of his.

God Bless you all for being part of his life, we are.

The Boggs Family

Donna Boggs

June 15, 2006

Barry and Debbie

Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He will always be "Uncle Bob" to me. It so nice of him to come to my dad's funeral last August. Maybe he and Howard "Rookie" are together again, drinking and laughing.

Take care.

Michael Goldstein

June 14, 2006

I worked with Flippo at WBNS-TV. Drove him on occasional gigs as Merchandising Director of the Station. One day we parked my big old green DeSoto in a downtown Columbus garage, and the attendent roared down the ramp, sped out onto Capital Street and sideswiped a car. The garage tried to pin the accident on "bad brakes". Their worst "break" was that "Flippo" was my witness in Court. I looked at the Judge grin as Bob took the stand and knew we'd won the case before it was even heard. Funny, talented, warm, sensitive Bob Marvin, you will be missed greatly by us all.Thanks for the ride.

Mel Grossman

June 14, 2006

Flippo meant different things to different people. My memory is one of security. When I was 8 years old. After my parents divorced, on visitiation weekends I would go to my dad's house to visit. While traveling from one house to the other, we would pass Flippo's studio. My Dad would say "There's Flippo's house. That always made me feel safe with the new surroundings. Some people are blessed enough to leave a footprint in the sand. Thanks

Cheryl

June 14, 2006

As a kid growing up in Westerville in the 60's, coming home from school every day and watching The Early Show was part of my routine!! He was someone you could count on being there every day! He was like friend and family!! A Central Ohio icon for 20+ years, and I thank him for all the hours of laughter and entertainment he provided. We were lucky to have been able to enjoy him all those years. (for anyone else needing a fix, like me, of pictures & more info on him him, I found a great website, www.flippotheclown.com)

Doug Fawcett

June 14, 2006

When the spotlights fade and the cameras stop watching you are left with only the impressions you enstill in others...My memories of Flippo will live on forever as a man who could laugh with the world and always at his own life...this world can always use more clowns instead of so many frowns...let the heavens roll with laughter send in the clown....I'll miss you..

Scott Routson

June 14, 2006

Flippo...you WILL be missed by many!! I grew up in Columbus Ohio and couldn't wait everyday until 4 o'clock so my brothers and sisters and i could watch Flippo! I met him 3 times when he used to do the big shows at Vet's Memorial,along with Lucy and Friends! I know he will be making everyone in Heaven laugh,just as he did the thousands and thousands of kids who watchd him!!

Lori Frank Brauer

June 14, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dave & Debbie Crites

June 14, 2006

Flippo,

You inspired so many of us to pursue our dreams and some of us had dreams of bringing laughter to others just as you always have. Down The Road

Pockets

Gary Holman (Pockets The Singing Clown)

June 14, 2006

Flippo will always live with us in our hearts. A good man, his life is a testimony for all of us.

He was always God's King of the Clowns

Steve J

June 14, 2006

Thanks for the memories Marv (Flippo). He was one in a million.

Mark (the pinstriper) Wigton

June 14, 2006

There will never be a local entertainer that touched as many lives as you did. Flippo will be missed by all.

Linda Skunza

June 14, 2006

Flippo, the most colorfull celebrity that Columbus has ever seen on black and white TV. Those were the true good old days.

Randy Holton

June 14, 2006

Rest in Peace,you were an asset to your profesion and a great performer.

Charles Alberts

June 14, 2006

My condolences to Flippo's family.He gave us many good memories and he will be greatly missed.My sisters and I grew up with Flippo--to me his death is like losing family.After reading some of the memories in the guest book, I recall kids sending in drawings of Flippo and pennies being taped to them for charity; laughing at his singing of "fight the girls across the street..."; and the anticipation of just getting to see him on tv.I am thankful for my sister and I being able to finally meet him at the appreciation night at the Ohio Historical Society and getting to hear his friends speak of working with Flippo. Flippo was a blessing to us all!

Debbie Hinaman

June 14, 2006

Flippo - we will never forget "Whoop Boing". You were such a friend to all - even through that big glass tube - you made us all feel like a friend. You will be sorely missed. Kindest Regards,

Larry Calabretta

June 13, 2006

We grew up with Flippo and he was a very big part of our lives. He was a great person and entertainer. We will never forget him and he will always be in our hearts. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Dale F. Longfellow & Rickie K. Bennett Longfellow

Dale Longfellow

June 13, 2006

Marvin you are missed by all kids rest in peace.

Jared Walker

June 13, 2006

What a precious, Loveable man he must have been. Especially to provide clean, wholesome entertainment suitable for children to watch and give them good values.

He will be missed indeed!

May he enjoy jammin' with the best big bands in Heaven!

Helene Schmidt

June 13, 2006

I USED TO WATCH U EVERYDAY . I WAS LUCKY MAY FATHER WORKED FOR WBNS AND HE USED TO TAKE ME ON YOUR SET.I WILL MISS U FLIPPO YOUR THE BEST CLOWN EVERY AND GOOD FRIEND.

MICHAEL ROUTSON

June 13, 2006

Our prayers are with your family. Mr. Fishman brought much happiness into my life and the lives of others. I still have the piggy bank he gave me at the Big Bear in Graceland Shopping Center.

Cherie Walton

June 13, 2006

Flippo, I mourn your loss. As I approach age 58, I recall being as young as third grade and coming home from school to watch your delightful personage on our old black-and-white TV. You entertained me and taught me about gentle humor and being a friend. If I ever felt lonely and out of balance, you were my friend, even though you didn't know it. Bless your gift to us all. Now rest in peace.

Doris Oursler

June 13, 2006

The last snortenfornorton is gone. Hail to the King.

Jason Abdon

June 13, 2006

I don't care how old I am now,when I think of Flippo I'll always be 8yrs.old.What a great guy he was.Being an entertainer in Columbus and always thinking of the kids is what it was and still is about.Thanks Flippo,thanks for letting me be one of your kids.The best to your family.God surely will laugh forever.I will never forget the talks we had.

Gene Richards

June 13, 2006

A huge thanks to the family for sharing Flippo with us. He's the Red Skelton of Columbus. He's the Emmett Kelly of Ohio. His subtleties in humor are akin to the double entendres' of Walt Kelly in Pogo. "Bob" had a way of entertaining persons of all ages and walks of life in all he did.

Ray Scharf

June 13, 2006

Oh, how sad. Growing up he was part of my life. I looked forward to his show when I got home from school. I also had the opportunity to appear on his show many times and each visit I made was so very special to me. I will miss him.

sue simon

June 13, 2006

Flippo will always be in our thoughts and hearts. Everytime I would see him in a restaurant or club he would always autograph a napkin for me. I will cherish these forever. He always drove that BMW Isetta. The only other person I knew who owned one was the football coach at Lancater High in 1965. Rest in peace clown.

Colleen (Zimmerman) Naffziger

June 13, 2006

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