Funny.  There is a huge range when it comes to what people consider funny, but for me, John Pinette was it.  He was a comedian I felt like I could let my girls enjoy, he poked more fun at himself than at others, and his comedy wasn’t pejorative or hurtful.  It was just funny.

Today, the cherubic face that contorted into the face of an angry Chinese restaurant owner or transformed into the face of Hairspray Mom Edna Turnblad rests in peace.  John was found passed away in a hotel in Pittsburgh, after suffering from liver and heart conditions.  He also battled addiction demons – but he battled them with fans in mind first, as he Tweeted his apologies for putting himself first as he sought treatment.

Funny.  John Pinette is the first celebrity to reach out to me through social media avenues – when I was still learning what social media avenues were.  He was gracious and kind, thanking me for following him and saying such nice things about him.  It’s where funny and classy merged together.

Of course there will still be laughter in the world, but in my world, at least for today, it will be silent.

Rest in peace, John.  Your humor and graciousness endeared you to so many, and you will be missed by us all.  You were, at least for me, the very definition of the word Funny, and the smiles in my life just became a bit fewer.