Floyd “Uncle Floyd” Vivino, a beloved figure in New Jersey entertainment whose off-beat comedy, music, and television presence delighted generations, has died at the age of 74. His death was confirmed by his brother, musician Jerry Vivino, who announced on social media that Floyd passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, after a two-and-a-half-year battle with health issues including a stroke and cancer.
A Local Legend with National Influence
Born Florio Vivino in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1951, Uncle Floyd became a cultural touchstone in the Garden State and beyond through his self-titled variety show, The Uncle Floyd Show. The program, a quirky blend of comedy sketches, puppetry, music, and satire, debuted on local cable in 1974 and ran until the late 1990s, eventually gaining a cult following across New Jersey and New York.
Though the production values were modest, the charm was unmistakable — it felt as if “done out of his living room in New Jersey.” Audiences of all ages tuned in to watch Vivino’s irreverent humor and musical performances, which included his own piano playing and visits from local bands and actors.
Celebrity Fans and Cultural Footprint
Uncle Floyd’s influence extended well beyond his home state. Iconic musicians such as David Bowie, John Lennon, and The Ramones counted themselves fans of the show. Bowie even referenced Vivino and his puppet characters in the song “Slip Away”, and The Ramones mentioned him in their track “It’s Not My Place (In the Nine to Five World)”. His eclectic mix of comedy and music made him a bridge between children’s television and underground culture.
Film, Television, and Live Performances
Beyond his own show, Vivino appeared in films and TV series, including the 1987 Robin Williams movie Good Morning, Vietnam and episodes of Law & Order. He remained active in live performance throughout his career, reportedly doing up to 300 shows a year at times, often clad in his signature porkpie hat and performing routines like his beloved parody song “Deep in the Heart of Jersey.”
Battles with Health and Final Years
In later years, Uncle Floyd faced a series of serious health challenges. He publicly discussed suffering a stroke and recovering with difficulty, as well as earlier battles with COVID-19 and both bladder and prostate cancer. Despite these struggles, his passion for performance and connection with fans endured until the end.
Legacy and Tributes
Tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and public figures. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh remembered him as “like family,” noting the joy he brought to countless New Jersey residents. His impact was not only in laughter but in how he helped shape a unique cultural identity for his home state.
The family has announced plans for a private funeral with a public celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Uncle Floyd’s legacy — a blend of local pride, off-beat humor, and genuine heart — will be remembered by generations who grew up tuning in to The Uncle Floyd Show or catching his spirited live performances.
