Howard Stern's longtime confidant and stylist Ralph Cirella died Tuesday at the age of 58 after a battle with lymphoma.
Stern, 69, announced the death of Cirella — who had been a regular caller and guest on his radio show for more than three decades — on his SiriusXM show on Wednesday, saying his “heart gave out” during a medical procedure.
“Ralph was a trusted, dear friend who made me laugh every time I was with him,” Stern said of his late friend.
Stern said he was frustrated by Cirella going without health insurance for a while; that Cirella 'didn't take care of herself;' and that he waited too long to take action against the “curable and treatable” condition he was battling.
Stern said he had “just been so sad and so angry” about Cirella's passing, adding, “I think that's the hardest part of loving someone — when you lose them.”
Ralph Cirella, Howard Stern's longtime confidante and stylist, died Tuesday at the age of 58 after a battle with lymphoma. Pictured in New York in June 2010
Stern, 69, announced Cirella's death on his SiriusXM show on Wednesday, saying his “heart gave out” during a medical procedure. Pictured in 2015 in New York
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 we had a great friendship, and Ralph was one of my brothers. In fact, I came to think of Ralph as family.”
Stern credited Cirella with being instrumental in 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 memorial to Cirella on Instagram, calling him “a unique soul.”
Stamos, 60, said: “When I met him back in the day where he was working his magic as a make-up artist for Howard Stern's Channel 9 show. I vividly remember how he transformed Howard into a perfect replica of Larry King, demonstrating his exceptional talent and creativity.
“From that day on we were lifelong friends, I just wish he lived longer.”
Stamos said Cirella “possessed an abundance of untapped potential, but he struggled to find the motivation to fully realize it – a painful reality we all witnessed.”
“It serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of not only pursuing our dreams, but seeing them through to the end.”
The Full House actor concluded his statement by saying, “My heart aches at the thought of Ralph leaving this world alone, without ever experiencing the deep love he undeniably deserved… my dear friend, I will love you so miss very much. I love you, Ralphie boy. Rest in peace.'
Cirella was known for his biting humor when calling the popular radio show, often engaging with callers and staffers in entertaining ways. Pictured in New York in 2016
Cirella had been a regular caller and guest on Stern's radio show for more than thirty years
Cirella was also close to actor John Stamos, who posted an emotional memorial 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 posted a memorial for Cirella, saying 'he will be missed'
A number of other Stern Show and radio personalities past and present took to Twitter to commemorate Cirella
Star Trek icon George Takei said on Twitter: “My condolences to the Cirellas, as well as to 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 commemorate Cirella, known for his biting humor in calling out the popular radio show.
Scott 'The Engineer' Salem said: 'I'm in shock over the passing of Ralph Cirella, my condolences to his family and @sternshow RIP'
“Stuttering,” John Melendez said, “RIP Ralph Cirella,” while JD Harmeyer used a trademark Cirella favored coined by the late Stern Show host 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 passed away. That's very sad news for Howard and the fan base. RIP #ralphcirella,” Opie said, while Bubba said Cirella “died too soon.”
A number of fans of the long-running radio show shared their thoughts and memories of Cirella following news of his death.
“I'm just devastated over the loss of Ralph Cirella,” said one user. “I never met the man, but somehow loved him like family. I honestly think the same about the entire crew of @sternshow.'
A number of fans of the long-running radio show shared their thoughts and memories of Cirella following news of his death
Another said, “Howard Stern fans either loved Ralph Cirella or hated Ralph Cirella. I loved Ralph. This sucks.”
One fan said, “I've been a Howard Stern fan since the early 90's. This morning I sat in my car with tears in my eyes. Radio really creates family. RIP Ralph Cirella.”
One user said of Cirella: 'Terrible young, his voice was controversial but I always thought deep down he was a decent man.'