Johnny Fratto, a regular and fan favorite on “The Howard Stern Show” passed away early this morning after battling lung cancer. Fratto, also known as a “Mafia Guru” according to his Twitter bio, was the son of mob guy Louis Fratto. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family, including his wife, Ivanka, according to Celebrity News Insider. It is not known how long he had been battling cancer and if he had any treatments.
Fratto dabbled in several businesses, including film and television. He also owned the custom motorcycle business Beverly Hills Choppers and said he counted numerous celebrities among his friends. Paris Hilton was photographed on a red carpet with one of his motorcycles.
Fratto was likely best known for his appearances on Stern’s radio program and for his friendship with one of the show’s most popular guests, Eric “The Actor” Lynch, the diminutive, profanity-spouting caller who specialized in insulting Stern.
Lynch, who stood just 3 feet tall, died last year. Fratto met him through the show and eventually became his agent, landing him bit parts in several movies and TV shows.
Fratto’s father, Louis Fratto, was a prominent mob figure in the Midwest from the 1930s until his death in 1967, and his son sometimes hinted he had his own mob connections. Although he identified himself on his Twitter page and elsewhere as a Mafia guru, his wife said that wasn’t true.
Additional survivors include Fratto’s sons, Willie, Joey and Johnny Jr., and his daughters, Alexis and Angela.
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