Johnny Fratto dies after Cancer battle

Johnny Fratto -- a fan favorite on "The Howard Stern Show" for years -- has died after a battle with lung cancer.

According to TMZ, his wife Ivanka confirmed that Fratto 61 passed away peacefully at 12:06 AM surrounded by family.  

Fratto was the son of famous mob boss Louis Fratto who was a major shot caller in Chicago, Illinois and Iowa in the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s.

Besides appearing on Stern, Fratto ran several businesses -- including Beverly Hills Choppers.

On a personal note, tmz said they worked with Fratto for years -- and he was good dude ... caring, genuine, and honest.