John A. “Jack” Palvino, a beloved Rochester radio broadcasting icon, passed away on December 8, 2024, at the age of 90. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary, his father, John C. Palvino, and his brother, Larry Palvino, ESQ.

Jack was born on May 28, 1934, and is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce (Vilkaitis) Palvino. Family was the love of his life. His cherished family includes his children, John (Joanna) Palvino, Jill (George) Schroth, and Jason (Maria) Palvino. Along with his grandchildren: Michael (Meghan) Palvino, Marcus (Autumn) Palvino, Adam (Rebecca) Schroth, Lindsey (Alex) Zurn, Abigail Schroth, Zachary (Autumn Coleman) Palvino, Olivia Palvino, and Jack Palvino. Additionally, Jack was the proud great-grandfather of Leo, Niko, Liam Palvino, and Theodore Schroth, and is survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Palvino. Family and faith were the joy of his life.

Jack’s education was a point of pride for him. He attended St. Ambrose Grammar School, where he skipped the first grade due to his exceptional reading skills. He graduated from Aquinas Institute and later St. John Fisher College as part of the 1955 pioneer class.

Jack was a proud native of Rochester, and his career as a broadcaster spanned 40 years, starting as “Jerry Jack” at WSAY radio. His journey in radio broadcasting was a labor of love, and he built a legacy with his work at multiple stations, including WGVA in Geneva, NY, and WBBF in Rochester, where his show, ‘Palvino in the Morning with Smilin’ Jack’, dominated local airwaves for nearly two decades.

In the early years of his career, Jack was a versatile radio personality, performing as Jerry Jack, Mac Maguire, and Tommy Thomas all in one year at WSAY. He later joined WGVA in Geneva, where he worked with his mentor, Bob Kieve. It was during a flu shot visit that Jack met Joyce, an RN, who would become the love of his life.

Jack’s role in radio history extended beyond performance. In 1978, he co-founded the Lincoln Group with partners Bud Wertheimer and Ed Musicus, who purchased WVOR-FM 100.5 in Rochester. They revolutionized FM radio by introducing AM-style programming, including morning news, helicopter traffic reports, and commentaries. Within two years, WVOR became Rochester’s top-rated radio station. The success of WVOR and other stations under the Lincoln Group led to recognition, including being named finalists for the NAB Crystal Award for community service. The Lincoln Group expanded its holdings to include several radio stations in Rochester, Buffalo, and Salem, Ohio. The group was sold in 1997, marking the first major radio sale under the newly passed Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Jack’s legacy includes two books, On the Air (2009) and Off the Air (2019), He also co-founded WHIC AM 1460, Rochester’s first Catholic radio station, in 2003. Jack remained active in the communications field, particularly with St. John Fisher University, where he had been a 33-year member of the Board of Trustees serving as Chairman from 1992 to 1995. His contributions to the University and the radio industry earned him recognition. He was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2015.

Jack was known for his philosophy that “if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life,” a principle he shared with his grandchildren (and anyone who would listen). He was a longtime member of the Ridgemont Country Club in Rochester and Bonita Bay Country Club in Florida.

Jack and his brother, Larry were loyal sports fans, following the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, New York Yankees and New York Mets often saying that “believing in sports taught values for life.”

Jack’s presence will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. The impact he made will continue to resonate with all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

Jack’s life story will be shared during his visitation, Friday, Dec., 13th, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His funeral mass will be celebrated, Saturday, Dec., 14th, 10:30 AM at Our Mother of Sorrows Church, 5000 Mt. Read Blvd. Private interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. John Fisher University, C/O Jack Palvino Communications Scholarship, 3690 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618 or to Leukemia Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 in Jack’s memory.