Johnny “TV” Peluso

Johnny “TV” Peluso, one of Newport’s most colorful political figures died Friday at his Newport home. He was 92 years old.

Peluso served as mayor of Newport in the 1960s and ’70s and later held elected office in 1981 as a city commissioner. He got his nickname from his job. He operated a TV repair shop on York Street for more than 50 years.

He was a colorful figure in Newport history and was devoted to the city. Known as a master politician and as a man with a “big heart,” he had a reputation for concern for poor and working people.

On Veteran’s Day this year, he was honored for his World War II service which took him to the beaches of Normandy and to a German prison camp.

His colorful political career took him to the Newport mayor’s office, to a stint in federal prison (for lying to a grand jury in a case involving pressuring city employees to misuse federal funds) – and also into the hearts of friends and supporters throughout the city. He was politically influential in Newport during the days of its “Sin City” reputation.

He was a life long member of St. Stephen’s Parish and of numerous fraternal organizations.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home with Mass following at Holy Spirit Church at 12:30 p.m.

Peluso was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Holloran Peluso and his daughter, Antoinette Peluso Kunkel. He is survived by his sons, John and Frank (Sue) Peluso; five grandchildren and three great granddaughters.

from the Northern Kentucky Tribune, February 1, 2015