For more than three decades, John Kross helped South Florida get out of bed. He worked in morning radio at Y100 from the early 1970s until his retirement in 2006. But it all began from a place of struggle. Kross had bills to pay, and he figured that if he could hang in there for a year, he’d get out of the hole. That promise to himself stretched into a life he never planned. Thirty-two years later, the man who only meant to get by had become ‘Footy,’ a name carried by generations of listeners who grew up waking to his voice.

Unfortunately, Kross died at age 77. Here’s Help, a residential treatment center for troubled youth, which was led by Kross, announced on Saturday. Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins’ former quarterback, was one of the many people who mourned the loss.

“South Florida lost an all-time great last week. My man, Footy…he did so much for so many. I’ll never forget meeting Footy for the first time, not long after I was drafted by the Dolphins, and he had my back ever since.

“So many events, so many laughs, so many people helped by Footy’s infectious personality and passion for giving back. Love ya, brother! Rest in peace,” Marino wrote on Instagram and shared a photo with Kross.

The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Kross and Marino were good friends. When not working, Kross enjoyed playing golf with Marino, and the former QB also admired the way his friend was a true community leader.

“The work he’s done for the community has made a difference in the lives of countless South Floridians,” Marino said in 2010. And he is right.

For over five decades, Kross was the CEO of Here’s Help. He dedicated his life to helping others and his mission was to grow the organization further. Here’s Help is a South Florida nonprofit which offers treatment for substance abuse for teens and adults.

Back in 1974, Kross was already working at Here’s Help when he accepted the radio job that eventually turned into a long run at Y100. So, just like Marino, many others mourned the loss.

Love and prayers pour in for John Kross

A lot of people in Miami grew up with Footy in the background. His voice was just part of life down here. “Oh wow…what a blast from the past, from back when I listened to Y-100 when I was in high school! Still have my Sonny In The Morning album in storage somewhere…may Footy RIP,” a fan mentioned.

Kross’ presence came through the radio during morning drives, late nights, and weekends. Over time, he stopped feeling like just another guy on the air and started feeling familiar – someone you trusted.

“Footy was the best. Always giving back. South Florida legend,” one fan wrote while another mentioned, “Thoughts and Prayers to all Dolphins fans on this sad news.”

That theme kept showing up. Kross had a reputation for being compassionate, for showing up, and for helping when he didn’t even have to. And that’s why the reaction has been what it’s been. Anyone who crossed paths with him seemed to have a story, usually a small one, but one that stuck.

“Rest in peace, Footy he was so kind, i’ll never forget when he helped me get prepared to apply for a radio internship. Such a great mentor and person,” a fan wrote. Others echoed a similar sentiment.

“A true South FLA legend. A super kind and generous person. May he rest in eternal peace.”

Read through the messages, and a pattern jumps out. It’s not about ratings or years on the radio. It’s not even about the events he hosted or the causes he backed. People talk about how he treated them and how he utilized his time.

Rest in peace, legend!