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John PICANO Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John PICANO
Anthony Utley
November 20, 2020
John was a great man and a great friend. Mary and I think of you often. We treasure the time we got to spend with you in Jamaica and the Light The Night Walk in Florida. You are missed my friend. One Love.
Carol Hammond
November 18, 2019
John was an icon at the South Florida fair and a sweet, gentle soul. We shared a common bond, and I am so sorry that we lost him. Thanksgiving will always make me think of John and his family.
Jim Edwards
November 16, 2019
John was a great golfing buddy, a great boss, a great friend and a great man. To this day I miss him greatly.
Bonnie and Marshall Mink
November 30, 2012
We express our deepest sympathy to the entire Picano family for your loss and are praying for you during this challenging time. We knew John for over 25 years during his time at WJNO, the South Florida Fair, and Picano Media. John was the consummate professional! He loved journalism, public relations, mentoring others, and giving back to the community. He battled his health issues with quiet dignity. However, he LOVED his family the most! He was a South Florida icon and will truly be missed.
November 29, 2012
I have known John for 25 years and even though we did not see each other often I felt he was a dear friend. A nicer, kinder man you could not find. I will be thinking of you and your family during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Jeff Marcus
Amy Peterson
November 29, 2012
One of the nicest and most sincere people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was really the guiding voice in leading me towards my Political Science degree. He will be deeply missed in our family and at the Fair. I send all of my love and prayers to his family.
Pablo Histerlanos
November 28, 2012
His was the voice on morning radio that we all listened to on WJNO for so many years. He was the local version of Walter Cronkite and his credibility was never challenged. What a thrill it was years later, to have him coach one of my sons in Tee Ball. In person he proved to be everything I imagined him to be, listening to him on the radio. Good people seem to die too young. So it is with John Picano. My deepest sympathies, thougths, and prayers, go to his wife and children. RIP Mr. Picano...a life well-lived!
Tracy Boyce
November 28, 2012
Mrs. Picano,
So sorry to hear of Mr. Picano`s passing. You were always my favorite teacher (6th grade) and i remember babysitting for you. I'm sorry i can not be there, but know i am thinking of you and your family.
Joy Shearer
November 28, 2012
I enjoyed knowing John through membership in the West Palm Beach Kiwanis Club. He will be missed.
November 28, 2012
Mrs. Picano,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know nothing can take away the pain, but you and your family are in my thoughts. I remember meeting your husband a couple of times at HLJ and I remember him as a wonderful, sweet man. He will be remembered fondly by all that knew him.
Kayla Stairs
Christine Schaner
November 27, 2012
Mrs. Picano, We think of you often and revisit fond memories of owls and years past at HLJ. Logan, Heath and I hope that you and your family will have the strength to cope as your husband probably would have wanted. Fill the void only with the best memories! Fondly,
November 27, 2012
Dear Kathy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers!
xoxo
"The Richardson Family" Raechel, Ernie, Natalie and Matthew
Peter Raboni
November 27, 2012
I moved to south florida in April of 1980. When I turned the radio the first voice I heard was John Picano. Thats all I needed to hear. My deepest sympathy to his family
Robin Garrett
November 27, 2012
My heartfelt Sympathy to the Picano Family. Johns was always a pro, never wavering or flustering on the air. Working with him during the glory days of WRMF/WJNO helped solidify my journalist ethics to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and balance. The world is a better place because John was in it. He will be surely missed by all who knew him...
November 27, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Picano Familty. John was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by all of us at the Fair.
Debby Hamm
Dick and Sue Sanford
November 26, 2012
I had the honor of being hired by John as sports director at WJNO. He was the consummate professional, not only as an on-air personality, but as a mentor to those who worked around him. Those were the happiest years of my professional life and I will never forget the wonderful times at the station, on the softball field and talking about the Gators. Sue and I extend our deepest sympathies to Kathy and his wonderful family during this difficult time.
Hazel Mc Hale
November 26, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Kathy and the kids. i had the pleasure of working with John at WJNO from 1979 to 1990. He will be missed by all.
Laurel Sauer
November 26, 2012
John was a true icon in the local news business on radio and a true gentleman in life..both with a remarkable voice that commanded attention. He will be truly missed as a major contributor to the South Florida media community and to the many causes he supported in the Palm Beaches. Life well lived. Sincere sympathies to the Picano family.
November 26, 2012
To the Picano Family, Sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy Emmart, Wilmington Health and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington, NC
Kathy Parker-Green
November 26, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with John, through Jr High and High School. He was a marvelous man and I am sure very caring husband and father. He was from that era where we were taught respect and how to love and treat people right. He will be missed. I know that he and Mike are having quite a reunion. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
Brotman Family
November 26, 2012
To the Picano Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Chuck Doll
November 26, 2012
A great man who will be missed , thank you for being a friend John .
Sergio Piedra
November 26, 2012
It was my honor to know John over the years - a great guy and fine PR man.
Verna Richards Cooper
November 26, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss! From what I've read, he was loved by everyone who knew him. I'm sure he will truly be missed! Hold on to the wonderful memories, I'm sure there are many! May he rest in peace. Sending prayers for all!
Catherine "Happy" Ast
November 26, 2012
Although I grew up hearing John's voice on the radio, it wasn't until I became involved at the South Florida Fair that I got to know him.
One of my favorite Johnny P stories ... a number of years ago we were working at a Fair event and it started to rain. It wasn't a downpour, but it was enough to make me open my umbrella. As Lorie and I stood under the umbrella I offered Johnny P a spot under it as well, he declined. I said there is plenty of room come on under but he just couldn't bring himself, the die hard GATOR that he is, to stand under my great big GARNET and GOLD umbrella!! Thankfully, it didn't rain long.
It was a pleasure to know a man who made such a difference in the world around him. When I am at my next Fair event it will feel a little empty not having him there to remind me how great the Florida v. Florida State game was this weekend!!
My thoughts and prayers to the Picano Family. Rest peacefully Johnny P, we will miss you.
John Martin
November 26, 2012
So sad to hear about John's passing. I've known him and worked with him for years and he was one of those truly special people that touches every life that he comes into contact with. It wasn't two months ago that I had a heart to heart with him about my own dad's cancer and my fears regarding that. He, of course, made me feel better and it was a really touching conversation for me. I can't say that I even knew him that well, but I've shed numerous tears since I found out, because he was just such a wonderful person. You will be missed my friend. Condolences to the Picano family as I am sure that John was the model patriarch.
Linda Walker
November 26, 2012
So Sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping Family in My Thoughts & Prayers.
Charlean Souligne
November 25, 2012
May God shine His light on you and your family, may He provide strength and comfort.
We met John many years ago (25+) when he agreed to be Darth Vader at the North Grade Elementary annual rummage sale. He was magnificient and greeted all the kids and adults. His presence was so greatly appreciated. He did this as a volunteer, and we all admired his sense of community.
May he rest in peace in Heaven.
Spagnardi Family
November 25, 2012
May God give you the strength you need during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 25, 2012
So very sorry to hear about John's passing. It was the day before Thanksgiving a few years ago, he invited my sales mgr. Tom Morrell and me to a round of golf at Myacoo. By the time we were done we had a history lesson on radio in West Palm Beach. He was there to witness it all!
I will not forget his guidance and friendship all those years we worked together on the South Florida Fair projects. He was always so keen on getting acts that were Gater friendly to play there so that our station could always be involved. Thank you John, for your friendship and kindness. You will be missed.
Buck McWilliams, 98.7 The Gater
Karen Bastanzuri
November 25, 2012
In your time of sorrow,remember you have a friend and many others thinking of you. Sending my deepest sympathy to all your family. May John rest in peace. Amen. Take care of one another.
Donna Rizzo
November 25, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The gang in Jamaica
Anthony and Mary Utley
November 25, 2012
Mary and I got the opportunity to meet John and Kathy many years ago while on vacation, and we are truly glad that we did. And while there are many miles between our homes, we have stayed in contact ever since. From the short time that we had to meet and talk with John and Kathy, we knew that they were two people we would never forget. We are so incredibly sorry for the loss of one of the truly nice guys this world will ever see. Tower Boy, you will live in our hearts forever. Love always, Hammer and Queen. One Love
Daniel Lewis
November 25, 2012
Dear Kathy, Katie, John and Jeffrey:
What a man, a husband and a father. The VOICE of WJNO and the VOICE of the SF Fair will be missed but his legacy will live on in you and in all of us who knew and loved your husband, your father and our Friend, John Picano.
We were blessed with his presence here on earth and now the heavens are blessed as he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are deeply sorry for your loss but his legacy is your gain. May God Bless you always. Daniel , Elizabeth, Julia, Mary and Philip Lewis.
November 25, 2012
So sad to hear of the passing of such a great man in our community. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me to work on the great team he built at WJNO Newsradio. John you will be missed. Kathy and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Dan Bryan
Gerry Knam
November 24, 2012
A legend long before he died!!
November 24, 2012
Kathy
I will never forget our special time together in the former USSR.
John was a great individual and wonderful journalist. My heartfelt sympathies.
Liz Klein , palm beach gardens
Terry "Coach" Shoultes
November 24, 2012
I first met John nearly 30 years ago during a guest session with Mike Levine on WJNO radio. John's leadership made that station one of the legendary talk show offerings. Later in my second career, I had the honor of teaching with his wife Kathy at HLJ. I will always remember his smile and his BIG VOICE. Picano family; take the time to mourn his death but always remember that he lived life to the fullest. Please accept thoughts and prayers from my family.
Jill Mather
November 24, 2012
What a honor it was to work at WJNO, producing World HQ, with Jack Cole, meant getting to know and work with John Picano for several years. John always had a open door, a gift for the news and a kindhearted team spirit. The only thing that John loved more than "getting it right", is his beautiful family. They were the light of his life.
He will be missed for so many reasons, by so many.
doug & marilyn shull
November 24, 2012
kathy, marilyn and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I,ve always appreciated the fact john and iworked together at wjno from1980 to 1984. he was the very besst at what he did. i willnever forget him. doug & marilyn shull. St. augustine.
Julie Crocker Williams
November 24, 2012
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I know John was a wonderful husband and father...I just look at the legacy he has left. Praying for you all,
Donna Kennelly
November 24, 2012
My sympathy and prayers are extended to the Picano family. John was a great man to work with.
Enid Atwater
November 24, 2012
A sad day for all who knew and loved John. He was such a sound voice of reason serving on the Convention and Visitor's Bureau PR Committee, always positive and upbeat. A dear friend and a wonderful person. God Bless.
Lara Picano DiMartino
November 24, 2012
Uncle Johnnie,
You are loved so much and left us too soon. You will forever live on in our hearts. Give my dad a hug for me. I know he was there to greet you.
Love, Your Bubba
Lara Picano DiMartino
Patty Palmer
November 24, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy to the Picano family on your loss of such a wonderful man. I always looked forward to the South Florida Fair and the opportunity to work with John and discuss with him the good old days of radio. Johns passion and dedication was always an inspiration you will be missed.
Norma
November 24, 2012
My sincerest sympathies to the Picano Family. I am so sorry to hear this news. I'll remember And appreciate his steady manor and friendship during my time at the SFF and his "Voice of the South Florida Fair". May the Lord bless and comfort you each in His special way.
Eric Giles
November 24, 2012
I had the pleasure of becoming John's friend many years ago during his time coaching Little League Baseball in Wellington. He was one of those people you could always count on. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Speed John
Cindy Rieskamp-Bennett
November 24, 2012
I will always remember John's smile and friendly personality. The Fair will never be the same with out him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Randy Carrillo
November 24, 2012
Kathy, John, Katie, I knew your father when WRMF and WJNO was created... He will be missed not because of what he did and how he did it!He will be missed because he was a kind man and a careing man!The local media will miss him dearley. Always will remember the good hand shake and the warm hug! God Bless you my friend May the Lord watch over you and your family R.I.P my friend....
Lee Dascott
November 24, 2012
Kathy, John, Jeffrey, Katie, the Picanos…and the South Florida Fair family… My deepest and heartfelt sympathy for your loss. A giving and kind man, John taught and lifted so many and I was blessed to be one. He will live on in our hearts and memories, walking beside us each day bringing strength, comfort and peace. RIP John, my dear friend and mentor.
Barb, Bill, William and Maggie Rieth
November 24, 2012
Kathy and all,
Our whole famiily was so sorry to hear about John. Still can't believe it! What a wonderful example he set as a husband, father and friend.
Love you all!
November 24, 2012
To The Picano family, my prayers & thoughts are with you all. John will never be forgotten. God bless.
Siva Hohn
November 24, 2012
From the New Jersey family contingent out deepest condolences... All our love and prayers... M, J, A, M & G
Jesse (Mounce) Kresak
November 24, 2012
Mrs Picano, Katy, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr P coming to the classroom (17 yrs ago) to interview us for his radio show, and I remember thinking how cool it was. My thoughts are with you all.
Theresa Agricola
November 24, 2012
Kathy, John, Jeffrey, Katie.... My heart is with you all. My days at the Fair will never be quite the same. I consider myself very lucky to have known such an amazing man. R.I.P. my dear friend.
Robert (Bobby) Brown
November 24, 2012
I met John as a friend of Jeff's in high school. He and his wife always welcomed me into their beautiful home, inviting me to stay for dinner many times. I always appreciated his advice and perspective on things; he was such a genuinely kind person. I pray for John in heaven and for Kathy, Katy, Jeff, and John.
November 24, 2012
Kathy, So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your children.
Mary Ann Pollak
Charlie Dunn
November 24, 2012
In addition to being a good friend, John was one of the greatest pros I have ever worked with. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with Kathy and his family.
Shawn McCarty
November 24, 2012
I remember when I first met "Uncle Johnny", he welcomed me into this family with so much love. He was always so kind when I saw him and gave me the biggest hugs. I am incredibly sad he is no longer with us.
Carol Hammond
November 24, 2012
Kathy,
My heart goes out to you and your family. john was such a unique person--so well respected and liked by everyone. He was an important part of the South Florida Fair family, and i know I speak for everyone when I say he will be missed by all of us. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.
Pete Wells
November 24, 2012
John and I were friends as kids growing up. I have a picture of us on our Junior High football team another friend gave to me recently. When we were in High school we had a standing joke that John would broadcast New York Yankees games and I would write about them in the New York Times. John got much closer to his dream then most do. Not long ago we laid to rest Johns' brother Mike, it's not fair for a family to deal with this so soon. My sincere condolences to Kathy and the entire family.
Sandy Picano
November 24, 2012
At age 12, Johnny introduced me to his brother Mike. It was the best 45 years of my life, being a part of the Picano family. Now Mike has a golf partner that can help him beat his dad (John) and their uncle (Mike). Love you all! Miss you all terribly.
Hugs to his family! Sandy /Aunt Sandy xo
November 24, 2012
I will never forget John. He hired me at WJNO and over the next 28 years he became the best friend I had in radio. You'll never meet a kinder more generous human being. I am blessed to have had him in my life. May God help ease the pain of his family and those who were lucky enough to know him. John, I'll always think of you. Thanks for having such a positive influence on my life.
Jim Edwards
David Weir
November 24, 2012
I worked with John for over 30 years. He was a consumate pro and a terrific human being. May he rest in peace. My sincere condolences to the Picano family.
Maggi Rosenberg SORentertainment
November 23, 2012
John was a wonderfully elegant, poised man with great talent and the go to guy for words. My heart and prayers go out to his family.
Denise Kirchmann (Hedstrom)
November 23, 2012
I knew John as the News Director while working at WJNO Radio in 1990/1991. John and his wife Kathy trusted me to babysit their children for extended period of times during those years. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with his children - my thoughts are with Kathy and their children.
Lynn Center
November 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. I know you will miss him terribly...he was a special husband, father, sibling and friend.
Jose Uzal
November 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with John's family. He was a friend and a colleague for whom I had the greatest respect. He lived his faith, mentored those around him and was a true professional. Although we mourn his loss, he will live on in the hearts and minds of the many lives he touched.
Kara Williamson
November 23, 2012
I will always remember Mr. Picano for the wonderful man he was. Any time spent with him always resulted in a good laugh, happy memories and of course Gator Football.
My thoughts are with the entire Picano Family.
RIP Mr. Picano You will be greatly missed, but you will never be forgotten.
Eleanor Krusell
November 23, 2012
Kathy,
I have known John professional for 25+ years. As a pillar of our community, he was a man of integrity, super knowledgeable, extremely creative and possessed a great deal of humor. I feel so blessed to have spent a few minutes with him just last week in his South Florida Fair office. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Doreen Poreba
November 23, 2012
My first memories of John go back to WJNO when he was the news director and I was a reporter with Channel 12. Eventually, we both went into PR and John was just as respected as a PR pro as he was as a news man. He will be missed as a professional and overall for the upbeat person that he was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
November 23, 2012
Kathy,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Amy (Sansbury) Wilkinson
Theresa LePore
November 23, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Picano Family. John and I go back to the WJNO days. He was always the consummate professional and it was an honor and privilege to work with him at WJNO, the South Florida Fair and Kiwanis. Rest in peace my friend, you and your family are in my prayers.
Tom & Saundra Rohn
November 23, 2012
Heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Charles Passy
November 23, 2012
One of the classiest individuals in the South Florida media world -- heck, in the world overall. John was not only the ultimate professional as both a news and later pr man, he was also a pillar of the community. A terrible loss for those of us who knew and even for those who didn't -- his reach was that great.
Stephanie Dunlop-Graver
November 23, 2012
Katie I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. I will always remember the fair days and the food!
Rita Demier
November 23, 2012
John, you taught me many trades and trends. I looked up to you for many things! I'm glad you were part of my professional life and ill treasure your jokes forever. Your sense of humor was unique! You'll always be in my heart!!!
Bernie Oliver
November 23, 2012
My sincere condolences to the entire Picano Family. We can always appreciate the time we spent with him and be comforted in the fact that John's energy will never die, it just changes in form. My thoughts are with you.
Bob Bray
November 23, 2012
So sorry for Kathy and the kids. You are in our prayers.
Chris Farrell
November 23, 2012
My condolences to the Picano family. John was a really nice guy. A local voice and part of the community that will be missed.
Shawn KRAUEL
November 23, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with John for 12 years at the South Florida Fair he was a great guy. Never saw him flustered and lived a calm cool life that we all should learn from. Thanks for being our ringer in golf tournaments and my thoughts are with his family on a loss and person that will never be forgotten.
A special Friend
November 23, 2012
May you Rest in Peace- an amazing man.
Linda Georginow
November 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Picano family today during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. May John's memory be for a blessing. Much Love from all of us: Linda, Dimitri, Daniel, Jacob, and Rebecca Georginow.
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