Uncle Floyd Vivino dead – Comedian and TV personality dies at 74

Floyd Vivino, best known as the beloved comedian, musician and TV personality “Uncle Floyd,” has died. He was 74.

His brother Jerry Vivino confirmed his Jan. 22 death on social media.

“With a heavy heart I am sad to announce the passing of my brother and everybody’s favorite uncle, Floyd Vivino” Jerry wrote on Facebook Friday, Jan. 23. “Rest in peace big brother…You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans.”

Vivino died after a two-and-a-half-year battle with “ongoing health issues,” his brother said. A Facebook page for Vivino now shows a photo of him with the words “Uncle Floyd Vivino, 1951-2026.”

After Uncle Floyd’s death, a look back at his career

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1951, Vivino came from a musical family. His younger brother Jimmy was a notable guitarist, while his other brother Jerry was known for playing the saxophone.

Vivino went on to become a cult figure in New Jersey with the “Uncle Floyd Show,” which ran on local cable from 1974 until 2001. At its peak, his eponymous fan club had more than 13,000 members in 23 states.

In the years after his show, Vivino had a prolific career, performing up to 300 comedy shows per year around the state in his signature porkpie hat and plaid coat. He also appeared in “Good Morning, Vietnam” with Robin Williams.

He remained devoted to his throwback style throughout his career, once telling the Bergen Record, part of the USA TODAY Network, that he was born in the wrong era.

“I think 5% of the population was born in the wrong time zone,” he said in a 1997 interview with The Record. “I think I am, definitely. I think I would have been happy from about 1870 to 1940, somewhere in that range.”

Vivino’s death prompted an outpouring of grief in his hometown.

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

The family will be holding a private funeral with a memorial celebration of life to be announced at a future date.