http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hot-rod-magazine-editor-publisher-group-president-john-dianna-died/ Love him or hate him or otherwise, he made a mark on our hobby throughout his lifetime. We all get the same in the end, life is something we don't get to keep. Enjoy it while you can and hope that you too get 74 years and maybe a few more to add to it God willing. RIP John.
The Sedan Deliveries of John Dianna, George Cureton, and the YOO HOO TOO gang, were what started me on my Sedan Delivery quest. I'm on number 4 now. This is particularly sad news for me. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
I'm several years younger than John and didn't know him. As a reader of rod magazines beginning in the early 60s I was surprised when he popped on the scene in Hot Rod as editor. He was obviously a young kid at the time and up to that time Hot Rod editors and editorial staff were always gray haired legendary names. Sad to hear of his passing.
John rose up the ranks at Petersen fast and soon was calling the shots and then moved on to start his own publications. That is when the love affair ended for many of his followers. He was a very intelligent man who fought to keep his company alive but failed. He was a drag racer, writer, editor and business man with a vision. He was one of us who had a passion for Hot Rods. He made his mark in our hobby. RIP John
I remember reading his pieces in HRM back in the 70's. Always enjoyed them. Didn't know what became of him, I had quit taking magazines by the time he left HRM. Another name in our hobby that will be missed.
I enjoyed the pictorial coverage of the articles published in street rod builder magazine- the format allowed slugs like myself to better understand the car building and customizing process. RIP John- an innovator in the automotive publishing business
I worked with and then for John many years ago and, while I didn't sometimes agree with him, I always respected his leadership ability. I am saddened by his passing.
The Jalopy Journal
