PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A South Philadelphia native whose radio show has beamed into homes for decades was honored on Tuesday with a special tribute.
In front of friends, family, entertainers and adoring fans, Bob Pantano smiled as South Philly’s Federal Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, was renamed Bob Pantano Way. Long before the Philadelphia radio legend received the accolade, however, his childhood neighborhood helped propel him to radio stardom.
“My career started at my house on Federal Street,” Pantano recalled. “I drove up Seventh Street, went over to Camden in 1971 and filled in for the ‘Geator’ Jerry Blavat, and that’s how it started.”
Many came to the Tuesday ceremony, from celebrities and elected officials — like Robert “Kool” Bell from Kool & the Gang and Mayor Cherelle Parker — to neighbors and old friends, to show their love for the Temple grad and longtime WOGL DJ. They also enjoyed free cheesesteaks, cannolis and other South Philly staples.
“I’m just happy to see everybody. I see some of the old neighbors are still living here and I’m happy to see the neighborhood is still very nice,” he said.
Among the many attendees was childhood friend Sonny Averona Jr. “I’m honored because Bob Pantano is the people’s champion, like my dear friend Joe Frazier was. He gives back to everybody,” he said.
Pantano received a plaque on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, on South Broad Street, in 2017. Still, he said the street renaming was especially humbling. “I’m just overwhelmed by everyone who is here,” he shared.