John Cigna has died
Pittsburgh:
Former KDKA-AM (1020) morning show host John Cigna has passed away. It was reported on KDKA Radio that Cigna had been ill in recent weeks. A native of Brooklyn, Cigna had several stops before he came to Pittsburgh and WJAS-AM (1320). He was hired at KDKA in 1973 as evening host and moved to mornings in 1983 after Jack Bogut moved on to WTAE-AM (1250). In 1983, Cigna created the Spaghetti Breakfast which became an annual September tradition - the 27th of which was held in 2010. Cigna was last heard on November 2, 2010 while in attendance at KDKA Radio's 90th Anniversary although he continued to do spots at the station.
Cigna apparently suffered from emphysema and recently suffered a stroke. But it is believed that the death of his wife of 53 years, Pat, in January of this year which precipitated his death.
A photo tribute has been posted on KDKA's website.
Readers’ Forum
very sad news i was a big fan while at Duquesne and that continued when i worked in Pittsburgh
vince delisi (URL) - May 20, 2011 at 6:29 pm
Seeing the women in 80s fitness wear at the Spaghetti Breakfasts, by itself, makes the tour through the slideshow worth its while.
Rick - May 20, 2011 at 7:20 pm
First Uncle Dougie and Now Cigna…Very sad day for Pittsburgh Radio.
Bill Alexander (URL) - May 20, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Another page in Pittsburgh history turns… and the days of when Pittsburgh had some really decent and memorable radio drifts further and further into the past. Nice tribute to Mr. Cigna at the CBS site…too bad they couldn’t do it without ads… cheapened the whole thing… doesn’t surprise me though… no wonder radio companies anymore are bottom dwellers.
Rick in DC - May 22, 2011 at 12:04 pm