Pierre was heard daily on WMMR from 1981 until his passing in October of 2025. A true radio icon, Pierre was one of the city’s most recognized personalities. Best known for his welcoming ‘Greetings Citizens’ salutation, he was nationally recognized for his interviews and storytelling. Pierre was on hand for Rock’s greatest moments, reporting from Live AID, Woodstock II, Live 8, Farm Aid and many more, and his artist interviews were a ‘who’s who’ of music, from the Rolling Stones, Ozzy and Tom Petty to today’s newest artists. In 2019 his star was added to the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.

John DeBella, a Broadcast Pioneers and National Radio Hall of Famer, established a friendship with Pierre that began with his arrival at WMMR in 1982.

As one of the originators of the Morning Zoo format, John’s morning show was not only the number one rated show in Philadelphia, but he also achieved the highest ratings in local radio history at that time.

John would spend 42 years in Philadelphia radio, winning numerous local service and humanitarian awards for his work for veterans, food banks and shelter pets and receiving his own star on the PMA Walk of Fame in 2023.

He retired that year after 21 years on the air at Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK, ending his show with “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and his signature close, “Have a great day Philadelphia, don’t take any crap from anybody.”

Scholarship applications will open in January.