Legendary New Jersey comedian Floyd Vivino, best known as “Uncle Floyd,” has died at the age of 74.
His brother, musician Jerry Vivino, announced the news on social media Friday, sharing that Vivino passed away the day before.
“Rest in peace, big brother,” Jerry wrote. “You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family, and your loving fans.”
Floyd Vivino attends the Chiller Theatre Expo 30th Anniversary event in Fall 2021 at the Hilton Parsippany.
An exact cause of death was not disclosed, though his brother said Vivino had endured a “two-and-a-half-year battle with ongoing health issues.”
“His curtain peacefully closed at 6:05 p.m. on Thursday, January 22,” his brother shared.
In a December 2024 interview with New Jersey 101.5, Vivino spoke candidly about his recovery from a stroke he suffered in 2023.
“I had two holes drilled in my head to relieve it,” he said at the time. “And that usually cripples somebody. I came out of that okay. I’ve been doing okay with the nurses and things. I’ve been battling here. The worst part is not having any show to do.”
Vivino had also previously revealed in 2022 that he had contracted COVID-19 and had been diagnosed with both bladder and prostate cancer.
Jessica Collins, Floyd Vivino and Lisa Peluso appear on the soap opera Loving in 1993.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1951, Vivino was best known for his low-budget variety comedy television series, The Uncle Floyd Show.
The show aired on local cable from 1974 to 2001 and developed a devoted cult following in New Jersey and New York.
Vivino also appeared on the big screen in the 1987 Robin Williams film Good Morning, Vietnam, as well as on locally filmed television series including Law & Order.
The comedian counted several famous musicians among his fans and was name-checked in songs by major artists, including David Bowie’s 2002 track “Slip Away” and the Ramones’ 1981 song “It’s Not My Place.”
According to The Bergen Record, Vivino once recalled meeting Bowie and asking how the rock legend knew of him. Bowie’s reply: “John Lennon told me.”
Floyd Vivino, known to fans as Uncle Floyd, is pictured at the Chiller Theatre Expo 30th Anniversary in Fall 2021 on Oct. 31, 2021, in Parsippany, New Jersey.
One of Vivino’s most enduring claims to fame was his song “Deep in the Heart of Jersey,” a parody of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” that became a beloved anthem for Garden State fans.
“The dumps in June ain’t like perfume / Deep in the heart of Jersey / But it’s my state, I think it’s great / Deep in the heart of Jersey,” the lyrics read.
Known for his signature porkpie hat, Vivino crisscrossed New Jersey performing up to 300 comedy shows a year, cementing his status as a homegrown legend.
Jerry Vivino’s Facebook post.
“Uncle Floyd was like family to me,” Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh told The Bergen Record following Vivino’s death.
“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.”
