Printer friendly version

Johnny Lombardi dead at 86

3/19/2002

Toronto, - Long-time broadcaster and multiculturalism promoter Johnny Lombardi has died.

The musician and entrepreneur passed away Monday night at a Toronto hospital following a brief illness, Lombardi-owned CHIN radio confirmed Tuesday morning.

"He was the guy that introduced multiculturalism to Toronto," Mayor Mel Lastman told radio station CFRB Tuesday morning.

"He came up with a multicultural radio and promoted it and showed people they've got to be proud of what they are and who they are.

Lastman also said Lombardi was a "great big part" of the city, helping to make it what it is.

Lombardi was well known for his annual CHIN picnics featuring Miss CHIN bikini contestants.

The Second World War veteran and son of Italian immigrants received many accolades in his life, including the Toronto Civic Award of Merit and the Order of Canada.

Back to headlines