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The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino [PHOTO GALLERY]

The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour turned into a great way for a local legend to interact with listeners face-to-face one last time. It took place at Parx Casino in…

The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour turned into a great way for a local legend to interact with listeners face-to-face one last time.

It took place at Parx Casino in Bensalem on Wednesday, June 21. The packed house enjoyed a meet and greet with John, a creative slideshow with priceless photos from his career, and some entertaining chatter from his good friends Pierre Robert and Bill Weston.

John DeBella Farewell

John will retire after a legendary career spanning over 48 years, 41 of them in the Philadelphia market, going all the way back to his days on The Morning Zoo on MMR and extending to the past 21 years at MGK.

It's been an eventful month leading up to his final show on June 30. Follow along with our 41 & Done tributes.

The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia also celebrated his achievements with a luncheon on Wednesday.

The accolades came just five days after the record-breaking Veterans Radiothon. The charity fundraiser brought in over $219,000 for the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia.

The Radio Hall of Fame has also nominated DeBella for their class of 2023 just a few months after the Philadelphia Music Alliance honored him on their Walk of Fame.

He’s taught listeners to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” and they showed up in full force with appreciation and memories at the John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour.  

The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John's famous facial hair will be missed.


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John signing autographs for his fans


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John with a listener


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The Beer Garden at Parx Casino


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Listeners enjoy the slideshow


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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Listeners waiting in line to see John DeBella


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John with listeners


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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Pierre Robert with John


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Steve Vassalotti among the crowd


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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The slideshow captivates the crowd.


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John signing autographs for his fans


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John with MGK Program Director Bill Weston


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John with Bill Weston


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Listeners enjoy the slideshow


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John speaking to the listeners


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A blast from the past


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John signing autographs for his fans


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John meeting a listener


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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Listeners of all ages showed up to the Beer Garden at Parx Casino.


The John DeBella Farewell Happy Hour at Parx Casino

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John signing autographs for his fans

Steve Vassalotti is co-host of “The Matt Cord Show with Steve Vassalotti” weekday mornings 6a-10a on 102.9 WMGK. He has been with the station since 2015. For WMGK he writes about inane nonsense that surrounds our daily lives, sports, food and other various topics. Steve writes about Philadelphia lifestyle content, the Philadelphia Eagles culture and trending topics.