Title
Honoring, recognizing and commending Mr. Bob Pantano for his contributions on the radio, television, area concerts and his music, creativity, charity and community service.
Body
WHEREAS, A South Philadelphia native, Mr. Bob Pantano began spinning records at the hops in the late 1960s and in the 1970s at nightclubs. In 1971, he began his professional radio career at WCAM in Camden, New Jersey. In 1977, he pioneered the live-radio broadcast, Saturday Night Dance Party, which has entertained Philadelphia audiences with its upbeat music; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pantano continues to entertain and engage crowds year after year, building a captive and loyal audience. During the past thirty-five years his Live Radio Dance Party has been broadcast from various hotels, nightclubs, and casinos. Hundreds of thousands of Delaware Valley residents have met, danced and fallen in love to his unique special mix of music; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pantano hosts the Vendemmia Festival in South Philadelphia along with his well-known Sounds of Philly Show which features some of the best local and national recording artists. Furthermore, Mr. Pantano hosted shows at Wachovia Center, Trump Plaza, Wildwood Convention Center, Penn's Landing, summer concerts in the Philadelphia and South Jersey parks, Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City Hilton Casino Hotel, and corporate functions and charitable events; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pantano is the board of directors of Variety - The Children Charity, helping children with disabilities. He is an honorary Deputy Police Commissioner and the MC of the Hero Plaque Program in Philadelphia, which commemorates the heroism of Philadelphia Police officers, who gave their lives serving in the line of duty. Mr. Pantano is also the MC for the annual Hero Thrill Show benefiting the families of our fallen heroes (Police and Fireman families); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pantano is involved with Church of Holy Family, Washington, Twp. NJ, where he hosts the annual Primavera Festival, the taste of South Philly at The Simone Auto Museum for Saints John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic High School plus numerous other charitable events. Mr. Pantano's other endeavors include playing a crucial role in the promotion and success of the Frank Sinatra mural on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, In 2007 Mr. Pantano was inducted into Temple University School of Communications and Theater Hall of Fame and received a sidewalk plaque on the Wildwood Avenue of the Stars. In 2008 Mr. Pantano was inducted into The Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors, recognizes and commends Mr. Bob Pantano for his commitment and dedication to the community through his music, creativity, charity and community service.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Bob Pantano as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End