Howard Stern’s longtime confidant and stylist Ralph Cirella died Tuesday at the age of 58 from complications of lymphoma.
The 69-year-old star announced on his SiriusXM show Wednesday the death of Cirella, a regular caller and guest on his radio show for more than three decades, saying his “heart failed” during medical treatment .
“Ralph was a trustworthy, dear friend who made me laugh every time I was with him,” Stern said of his late friend.
Stern said he was frustrated that Cirella went without health insurance for an extended period of time; that Cirella “didn’t take care of herself”; and that he had waited too long to do something about the “curable and treatable” disease he was battling.
Stern said he was “just so sad and so angry” over Cirella’s death, adding, “I think that’s the hardest part about loving someone – when you lose them.”
Ralph Cirella, Howard Stern’s longtime confidante and stylist, died Tuesday at age 58 of complications from lymphoma. Pictured in NYC in June 2010
The 69-year-old star announced Cirella’s death on his SiriusXM show on Wednesday, saying his “heart failed” while undergoing medical treatment. Pictured in 2015 in NYC
The radio icon continued, “God knows, I loved Ralph.” My wife said to me last night, “You and Ralph have a secret language,” and it’s true…we had great chemistry and a great friendship, and Ralph was one of my brothers. In fact, I considered Ralph family.’
Stern credited Cirella with being instrumental in his crossing paths with his future wife, Beth Ostrosky, 51, and said he persuaded Stern to attend the party where they met. Stern said, “He was the reason I met Beth.”
Cirella was also close to late TV producer Sam Simon and actor John Stamos, who posted an emotional tribute to Cirella on Instagram, calling him “a unique soul.”
Stamos, 60, said: “When we first met him, where he worked his magic as a makeup artist for Howard Stern’s Channel 9 show. “I can vividly remember him transforming Howard into a perfect replica of Larry King and his demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity.
“From that day on we were lifelong friends, I just wish he lived longer.”
Stamos said that Cirella “possessed a wealth of untapped potential, but he struggled to find the motivation to take full advantage of it – a painful reality that we all witnessed.”
“It is a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of not only pursuing our dreams, but also seeing them through to the end.”
The “Full House” actor concluded his statement by saying, “My heart aches to think of Ralph leaving this world alone, without ever knowing the deep love he undeniably deserves…my dear friend, I will Miss you so much.” I love you, Ralphie boy. Rest in peace.’
Cirella was known for his acerbic wit when calling into the popular radio show, often engaging in entertaining arguments with callers and co-workers. Pictured in NYC in 2016
Cirella has been a regular caller and guest on Stern’s radio show for more than three decades
Cirella was also close to actor John Stamos, who posted an emotional tribute to Cirella on Instagram, calling him “a unique soul.”
Stamos said: “My dear friend, I will miss you so much.” I love you, Ralphie boy. Rest in peace’
Star Trek icon George Takei created a memorial for Cirella and said, “He will be missed.”
A number of other Stern Show and radio personalities, past and present, took to Twitter to remember Cirella
“Star Trek” icon George Takei said on Twitter: “My condolences to the Cirellas as well as Howard and the entire Stern family.” Ralph Cirella was a supportive and wonderful member of our community. He will be missed.’
A number of other Stern Show personalities, past and present, took to Twitter to remember Cirella, who was known for his acerbic wit when calling the popular radio show.
Scott “The Engineer” Salem said: “I am shocked by the death of Ralph Cirella. My condolences go out to his family and @sternshow. RIP.”
“Stuttering,” John Melendez said, “Rest in peace, Ralph Cirella,” while JD Harmeyer used a Cirella-favored trademark coined by late Stern Show regular Eric Lynch: “Bye For Now.”
Other radio personalities, including Bubba The Love Sponge and Gregg “Opie” Hughes, expressed their condolences for Cirella.
“Holy crap, Ralph Cirella from The Howard Stern Show has died.” This is very sad news for Howard and the fan base. RIP #ralphcirella,” Opie said, while Bubba said that Cirella “died too soon.”
A number of fans of the long-running radio show shared their thoughts and memories of Cirella following the news of his death.
“I’m just disappointed with the loss of Ralph Cirella,” one user said. “I never met the guy and still kind of loved him like family. “To be honest, I feel the same way about the entire @sternshow crew.”
A number of fans of the long-running radio show shared their thoughts and memories of Cirella following the news of his death
Another said: “Howard Stern fans loved Ralph Cirella or hated Ralph Cirella.” I loved Ralph. That sucks.’
One fan said: “I’ve been a Howard Stern fan since the early 90s.” I’m sitting in my car this morning with tears in my eyes. Radio really creates family. RIP Ralph Cirella.’
One user said of Cirella: “Terribly young, his voice was controversial but I always thought he was a decent man deep down.”