Stand-up comedian Greg Fitzsimmons, who was raised in Tarrytown, stopped by Howard Stern’s studio this morning to discuss, among other things, Fitzsimmons’ Sirius satellite radio broadcast last night, the afterlife and fellow stand-ups.

Stern, who launched his professional radio career on 107.1 FM in Briarcliff Manor, commended Fitzsimmons for his recurring Sirius show, which Stern said has been getting rave reviews. The ability appears to be hereditary, as Fitzsimmons’ late father, Bob, was a famous deejay and TV host himself. (More about Bob Fitzsimmons’ connection to another Lower Hudson Valley comedian later.)

After Stern congratulated Fitzsimmons for his radio show, Stern sidekick Artie Lange teased the guest with some dark humor, saying “your father can complete the 180 (degree) turn in his grave.” Fitzsimmons laughed.

“God, I hope they don’t have satellite (radio) on the other (side),” Fitzsimmons said.

Stern asked Fitzsimmons if he believes in an afterlife. Replied Fitzsimmons:

I don’t disbelieve it any more than I believe it. I’m right in the middle. I can’t imagine that with the amount of thoughts that go on in of my head, that I can’t stop without medication, that it all just ends immediately.

Find out Fitzsimmons’ takes on Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and the greatest living stand-up—and which other local comedian’s early career was helped by the elder Fitzsimmons—after the break.

The Stern crew said Bill Cosby had become one of stand-up’s most overrated comedians. Stern said he found Billy Crystal to be one of the best, but Fitzsimmons disagreed.

I’m not a huge Billy Crystal fan. I saw him—I did the Aspen Comedy Festival in 2001, and he dusted off that old character. It’s like I feel like he’s one of these guys (who) has gotten indulgent. Steve Martin is still out there, trying to do new things; Billy Crystal, to me, quite honestly had a reputation for having sticky fingers also with the material. Great performer, but had a reputation for (stealing material).

So whom does Fitzsimmons view as the greatest living stand-up? The answer might surprise you.

Dave Attell. … I like club comedy. I think Chris Rock is a better theater comedian, but I enjoy sitting in a basement club with 100 drunks and watching a guy, just by the seat of his pants, make them laugh at s*** that he thinks is funny.

(Bonus fact about Bob Fitzsimmons: Not only did he influence his son to pursue a career in show business, but current Tarrytown resident Kevin Meaney told me last year Bob was one of the first to help him pursue his own successful stand-up career.)