Bill Gargano (L) and Juke Van Oss (R) share a story during a "Talk of the Town" anniversary program. WHTC file photo.

Midwest Communication's WHTC/WYVN (Holland) reports that longtime program host Bill Gargano passed away December 5 at age 98.  The World War II veteran from Detroit first came to WHTC in 1954, left for Janesville, Wisconsin two years later, and in 1959 returned to Holland and brought with him the concept for WHTC's “Talk of the Town.”

He also started the “Backyard Fence” program, and “Alegria Latina” at the urging of Lupita Reyes. He held on-the-air sixth grade spelling bees in Holland Public Schools, among other programs, before leaving in 1984 to operate the Rainbow’s End Ice Cream and Balloon Shop until his retirement in the mid 1990’s.

Mr. Gargano, whose wife Carol passed away 15 years ago, leaves behind four children and five grandchildren, along with a brother.

A memorial service was held Thursday (12/15).