Thousands turn out in Milan square for state funeral of Italy’s beloved TV host Mike Bongiorno

Fans pack Milan square for funeral of TV host

MILAN — Premier Silvio Berlusconi, TV personalities and thousands of fans of Italy’s beloved television host Mike Bongiorno have turned out in Milan for his state funeral.

Mourners packed the Duomo, or cathedral, for the religious service Saturday. Thousands of others who couldn’t squeeze inside watched on screens in the square outside.

Generations of Italians grew up watching Bongiorno in the fledgling days of TV and later decades, as he popularized quiz shows and became a symbol of national television.

Bongiorno died earlier in the week while vacationing in Monte Carlo. He was 85.

Italian viewers adored the man nicknamed “the Quiz King.”

Fellow host Rosario Fiorello ended his eulogy with Bongiorno’s trademark greeting, “Allegria,” Italian for “cheers.”