A former State Representative and longtime Butler Radio personality passed away over the weekend.
Guy Travaglio died on Saturday. He was 93.
Travaglio’s relationship with Butler radio dates back to the early 1960s when he began as a part-time sports reporter. His was hired full-time in 1962 when he worked in advertising sales for WBUT. He would go-on to host numerous programs—including the Guy Travaglio Phone Party.
Travaglio purchased WBUT with Larry Berg in 1973, and owned the station until he sold it in 1978. Travaglio would continue his career, and the Phone Party, when he moved to WISR in the 1980s. Travaglio would become the station’s General Manager until his retirement in 1993.
Retirement was short lived though, as the community leader felt the calling to serve his area in Harrisburg. Travaglio was elected as the state representative for the 11th District.
He would serve 10 years in the PA House of Representatives before he retired in 2004.
The longtime community servant was an active volunteer in the area for more than 60 years. From the 1950s until 2017, Travaglio was a member at one time or another of more than 40 organizations, including the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, the City Redevelopment Authority, and chairman of the Downtown Butler 21st Century Task Force.
Friends will be received at the Martin Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 a.m at Saint Michael the Archangel Church
