On August 15, Jeff Burton, the presenter of The Rizzuto Show, died at the age of 55. Rizzuto, Tony Patrico, Moon Valjean, and King Scott, the radio show’s co-hosts, published a statement announcing his passing on the official 105.7 websites. “We (they) lost our beloved friend and colleague, Jeff Burton,” they said. They added in the statement while characterizing Burton’s persona,
“Everyone at 105.7 The Point liked and appreciated Jeff for a variety of reasons, including his compassion, humor, and generosity, to mention a few.”
They also said that the radio program presenter will be “honored” in the “coming months.” Rizzuto and company then begged fans to remember Burton’s “family”:
“The Rizzuto Show and our whole crew will celebrate Jeff in the coming months, but for now, we ask that you just remember Jeff’s family and remember the guy who gave so much to our station and our community.”
The radio DJ was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2021 and shared his illness on the broadcast. Burton started his chemotherapy treatment in the following weeks and continued to contribute to the program while doing so. Jeff Burton’s wife, Juli, said on July 2 that he was rushed to Missouri Baptist for two blood transfusions and a platelet transfusion. Despite being able to stabilize him, physicians expected that the disease had spread throughout his body. He returned home on Friday, July 8, after getting hospice care. Jeff Burton died on Monday, after a 17-month battle with cancer.
Tributes flow in as Jeff Burton passed away
When the news broke, netizens were devastated. Internet people expressed their sympathies to Jeff Burton’s family and posted old images of him. A few tweets circulated online:
Damn this one hurts… but I’m going to remember the smiles and laughs. The warm personality.. and never meeting a stranger. pic.twitter.com/ef2Eo9uEFW
— Greg S. (@chelseafanSTL) August 15, 2022
Much love to Jeff’s family, friends and radio family. I wish I knew him as well as you all did. Such a cool guy.
Was fortunate to work down the hall from the Rizz Show for a good number of years, loved talking sports with Jeff when we bumped into each other.
Too young…
— Kevin Wheeler (@KevinWheeler94) August 15, 2022
Jeff Burton just revealed his cancer diagnosis on the program.
On July 29, a month after stepping away from the studio, Burton provided health updates. He stated:
“The cancer diagnosis has made me extremely humble and incredibly blessed to know who’s behind me in all of this and all of that, so that’s been one fairly amazing thing.” It’s astounding how many people you meet that don’t give a s**t about you.”
Burton remarked on his final appearance on the show:
“Regardless of what happens here going forward, I know Rizzuto and Tony and everyone have spoken about what the future may or may not contain, and whatever role I can play moving ahead, we’re going to try to figure it out together and just keep kicking a*s as long as we can.”
Burton began his own campaign, “Man Of Many Hats,” and was able to raise more than $35,000. Aside from being frequent at concerts and events, most notably the Pointfest music festival, Burton also published his own children’s book, The Watering Hole, in October 2018. Fans may send cards and letters to Burton’s family. Send it to the 105.7 The Point office, and the cards will be sent to the family immediately. The office is located at:
- The Point 105.7 (KPNT-FM)
- Jeff, take note: We adore you.
- 11647 Olive Boulevard
- St. Louis, Missouri 63141
