Longtime South Florida radio personality John J. Kross Jr., known as “Footy,” has died, according to the nonprofit Here’s Help he led at one time. He was 77.For 36 years, until he retired in 2006, he entertained on WHYI Y-100.7, a music radio station, and then worked at several radio stations.For more than 50 years, he was CEO of Here’s Help, “dedicating his life to helping others and shaping the mission and growth of our organization in profound and lasting ways,” in a tribute by the organization on Facebook.Here’s Help, Inc. is a South Florida nonprofit offering substance abuse treatment, residential and outpatient, for teens and adults.“John generously used his voice, influence and passion to raise awareness and funds for those we serve, leaving an enduring impact on our programs, our community and countless lives,” Here’s Help said in a statement. “His commitment to service, advocacy and compassion will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all who were touched by his remarkable life. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue through the work he helped build.”U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz called him a “legendary” figure in South Florida on X.“Footy helped wake up South Florida for more than 30 years on Y100, and his commitment to community was second to none,” she said. “Through Here’s Help, he assisted thousands of people fighting addiction and changed so many lives. There was no one with better humor or good nature than Footy. His voice, advocacy and personality will be deeply missed. May his memory be for a blessing.”He came back out of retirement in early 2007 and became the Saturday morning host at News Radio 610 WIOD-AM. He added duties for a short time by hosting late mornings there. Later, he worked at Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM as a Sunday late morning host, then the Saturday late morning host at 940 The Sports Animal WINZ-AM in 2013.
Longtime South Florida radio personality John J. Kross Jr., known as “Footy,” has died, according to the nonprofit Here’s Help he led at one time. He was 77.
For 36 years, until he retired in 2006, he entertained on WHYI Y-100.7, a music radio station, and then worked at several radio stations.
For more than 50 years, he was CEO of Here’s Help, “dedicating his life to helping others and shaping the mission and growth of our organization in profound and lasting ways,” in a tribute by the organization on Facebook.
Here’s Help, Inc. is a South Florida nonprofit offering substance abuse treatment, residential and outpatient, for teens and adults.
This content is imported from Facebook.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
“John generously used his voice, influence and passion to raise awareness and funds for those we serve, leaving an enduring impact on our programs, our community and countless lives,” Here’s Help said in a statement. “His commitment to service, advocacy and compassion will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all who were touched by his remarkable life. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue through the work he helped build.”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz called him a “legendary” figure in South Florida on X.
This content is imported from Twitter.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
My heart is heavy today over the loss of the legendary John “Footy” Kross. Footy helped wake up South Florida for 30+ years on Y100 and his commitment to community was second to none. Through Here’s Help, he assisted thousands of people fighting addiction and changed so many… pic.twitter.com/7j7GscS4qR
— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) December 13, 2025
“Footy helped wake up South Florida for more than 30 years on Y100, and his commitment to community was second to none,” she said. “Through Here’s Help, he assisted thousands of people fighting addiction and changed so many lives. There was no one with better humor or good nature than Footy. His voice, advocacy and personality will be deeply missed. May his memory be for a blessing.”
He came back out of retirement in early 2007 and became the Saturday morning host at News Radio 610 WIOD-AM. He added duties for a short time by hosting late mornings there. Later, he worked at Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM as a Sunday late morning host, then the Saturday late morning host at 940 The Sports Animal WINZ-AM in 2013.