SHALER (KDKA) — A lot of tears were shed Tuesday for a man who entertained and informed Pittsburghers for nearly three decades.

Mourners turned out at Saint Bonaventure Catholic Church in Shaler to say goodbye to long-time KDKA Radio host John Cigna who died Friday afternoon. He was 75.

Cigna’s first goodbye was 10 years ago when he stepped down as KDKA Radio’s No.1 rated morning host.

Now, friends and family assemble for the final goodbye. Dick Skrinjar was there when he broke into the Pittsburgh market in 1973.

“I was the producer of the night time talk shows at KDKA and we were looking for a replacement for the legendary Ed and Wendy King,” Skrinjar said.

Cigna himself became the legendary leader of the K-Team and frequently sparred with his former producer.

“I was the PennDOT spokes guy for 20 years and I spent 20 years going back and forth with Cigna about all things roadway and any other topic that came into his mind,” Skrinjar recalled.

KDKA-TV’s Jon Burnett teamed up with his friend to host bike-a-thons as Harley riders raised money for Little Sisters of the Poor.

“He had a big love of family and friends and he just had to be that big to fit all that inside,” Burnett said. “I miss my friend.”

John Cigna touched the lives of so many.

His quirky sense of humor could bring laughter to the most somber occasions and knowing John as we do, he’d want us to remember him with a smile.

“I hope the Lord has a sense of humor,” Burnett said.

RELATED LINKS
Slideshow: Remembering KDKA Radio Host John Cigna
NewsRadio 1020 KDKA: John Cigna’s Son Reflects On Father’s Legacy
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