John completed broadcasting school in 1965, and two years later was drafted. He served with the United States Signal Corps in Vietnam where he received two Commendation Medals as a radioman. His Vietnam experiences have given him a well known empathy for Vietnam Veterans.

As a young man, John worked as a Doorman-Captain at the famous Radio City Music Hall, and actually appeared in a scene from "The Godfather" filmed there. Film making, however, was not in JLB's future and he found his true love in radio broadcasting.

Starting with an Italian program in Long Island, and then for many years on a Westport station, John has built up one of the most popular ethnic radio programs in the United States called the "Italian House Party". John later moved up to a station in Bridgeport where he quickly became a popular DJ on the midday show, and then was promoted to morning show host where he commanded top audience ratings for decades. His commitment to preserving Italian-American heritage is manifest by his program's support for education, cultural, and social events sponsored by Italian-American Organizations.

John was a major contributor in revitalizing "Festival Italiano" in Westport several years ago, helping make it one of the largest Italian fests in the country. Sponsored by the Westport Sons of Italy, the event raises thousands of dollars used for worthy charitable causes.

He is a long-time friend and supporter of Bridgeport's Council of Italian-American Societies and Norwalk's United Italian-American Committee, unselfishly providing publicity and assistance to their many affiliated organizations. John has also lent his support to Italian-American organizations in other areas, especially in New Haven and on Long Island.

John's big heart doesn't limit itself to just Italian organizations. He's worked hard to support all sorts of positive activities in our communities, and his appreciation and love of country, family, ethnic heritage, faith, and basic human decency have struck a chord with thousands of listeners of all ethnic, racial, and religious groups.

It's no wonder that John has been cited as "Italian American of the Year" by the Roma Club and "Humanitarian of the Year" by the Stamford-Norwalk area Police Anchor Club. He has also been nominated for the Marconi Award's "Best Radio Personality".

Today, John hosts the Fairfield County Morning News on News/Talk 1400 WSTC 1350 WNLK.

Email John LaBarca