Joe Ligotti, known as “The Guy From Boston” who had a run on the local radio airwaves and went on epic political rants, has died. He was 59.
His wife announced Ligotti’s unexpected passing on Wednesday, as his friends took to social media to remember the “absolute legend” who made people crack up laughing.
“Most of you know I lost my Joe this morning unexpectedly,” his wife Paula Hurley-Ligotti posted online. “I was hoping to be the first to post about his passing but i keep forgetting what a huge presence he is, because to me me he was just my husband, my love.
“He has made so many connections with people through his social media and has made lasting friendships over the years,” she added. “I have seen all of your posts and am grateful for your kind words.”
Ligotti was on 1510 WMEX and WTKK 96.9 back in the day.
The Tewksbury man also occasionally appeared on Fox News, and he would go on loud conservative rants online.
Ligotti went viral in the early 2000s before social media, and the funny personality often seen with a cigar ended up appearing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
“This guy’s just an absolute giant in a lot of ways,” said TV personality Steve D’Amato, adding that Ligotti was an “absolute legend.”
“This guy was the first guy to do it, guys,” D’Amato added. “Absolutely broke the internet before the internet was the internet — before social media, Instagram, Facebook. This guy was the first guy to go viral, doing his crazy videos, his rants, yelling and screaming. Guy was an absolute lunatic, and I loved him.”
This is a massive loss for the East Boston community, and the Italian-American community, D’Amato said.
“His tagline was, ‘He has the balls to say what you’re thinking,’ and he did. He did that,” D’Amato said. “A lot of people might not have agreed with him, but guy had a heart of gold… Hard on the outside, soft on the inside, but he’d give you the shirt off his back.”
Remembrances were pouring in about Ligotti, including from comedian Joey “Voices” Noone.
“He got me my radio show ‘The Joey Voices Radio Show’ on 1510 WMEX in 2015 and was always my biggest fan!” he posted. “He was one hell of a Dad, Husband and Friend to all who knew and loved him! I am sad today over this huge loss and will be toasting his memory this evening with friends. I will love you Joey Ligotti for the rest of my life. Please pray for comfort for his family and friends.”
A celebration of Ligotti’s life will be held on June 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ruggiero Family Memorial Home in East Boston.
