Floyd Vivino, known to several generations of New York City-area fans (including more than a few rock stars) as local kids TV host Uncle Floyd, died Thursday, January 22, after suffering ill health for nearly three years. He was 74.

His death was announced today by his brother Jerry Vivino, a musician and former member of Conan O’Brien’s late-night house bands. Neither a cause nor place of death was disclosed, but Floyd Vivino had previously spoken in recent years of having a stroke, bladder and prostate cancer and Covid, all in the early 2020s.

With a heavy heart I am sad to announce the passing of my brother and everybody’s favorite uncle, Floyd Vivino,” Jerry Vivino wrote on Facebook today. “After a 2 and a half year battle with ongoing health issues his curtain peacefully closed at 6:05pm on Thursday January 22nd. Rest in peace big brother. You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans.”

A prolific entertainer — comedian, actor and gifted piano player — Vivino became a local television legend after creating and starring in the children-friendly, adult-coded puppet show “Uncle Floyd Show,” which went on to welcome pop culture icons including Bon Jovi, Peter Tork and Cyndi Lauper at the height of her “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” era. In 1981, “Uncle Floyd shows on the TV” was a line in The Ramones’ “It’s Not My Place (In the 9 to 5 World)” song.

The show, which aired in New Jersey and New York from 1974 to 1998, including a three-year run on PBS stations statewide, has been described as a cross between “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and “The Soupy Sales Show.”

In 2002, The New York Times called the program a “cult favorite, a faux children’s show [that] has been broadcast in one form or another since 1974.”

His greatest talent was his versatility, a rep for Vivino told the Daily News Friday. His comedy transcended all age groups, ethnicities and demographics.

Besides delighting kids and adults alike by brightening their television sets with humor, music and puppets, Vivino also appeared in several television shows, including NBC’s “Law & Order”” and CBS’ “Cosby,” as well as in big-budget movies such as “Good Morning, Vietnam” and “Crazy People.”

But perhaps his most notable recognition came from the late David Bowie, who wrote the song “Slip Away” — originally titled “Uncle Floyd” and containing the verse “Twinkle, Twinkle, Uncle Floyd” — for his 23rd studio album, “Heathen.”

According to Vivino, Bowie told him he was a fan of the program after attending a live “Uncle Floyd Show” at the Bottom Line in Manhattan in 1981.

“He said John Lennon told him about it,” Vivino told The Times.

In a 2023 interview conducted by Vivino’s son Massimo, Vivino said he was inspired to go into show business because of his love for the audience.

“(I was inspired by) seeing an audience laugh and applaud and unite through humor and show business in a good and positive way,” Vivino said.

After his show went off the air, Vivino performed comedy shows around New Jersey called “Uncle Floyd’s Wild West Show.” He also hosted the radio show, “Uncle Floyd on the Radio.” In August 2024, Vivino began a podcast with long-time co-star and friend, Scott Gordon, where they’d answer questions and talk about show business.

The show remains a cult classic, with clips circulating for years on YouTube.

Vivino grew up in Paterson and Glen Rock, where he attended high school. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the American Mime Theater in New York.

In the same 2023 interview, Vivino told his son that the audience always encouraged him during his career, as well as his teachers in school.

“Sadly to say, most students don’t appreciate their teachers until years later.,” Vivino said. “Then we understand, now I understand how my teachers guided me and brought me…to feel comfortable in the school auditorium and the school plays.”

Vivino’s brother paid tribute to him on Facebook.

“Rest in peace big brother,” his brother continued on Facebook. “You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans.”

Fans shared tributes to Vivino as news spread of his death on Friday, and those fans include the mayor of Paterson.

“SO SAD. Uncle Floyd was like family to me. My mother laughed at all of his jokes and my wife thoroughly enjoyed his comedic routine. Sadly, one of the funniest Patersonians to ever live has left this life. May Floyd Vivino rest in eternal peace,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh on Facebook.

Vivino’s family is planning a private memorial, with a public event expected at a later date.