Bill Farrell

Bill Farrell, 81, passed away on June 30, 2007 in Rancho Mirage, CA. Born, William Angelo Fiorelli on March 30, 1926 in Cleveland, OH to Mary Grace and Charles Fiorelli. He is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; sister Rosalie Fiorelli DiFranco; brothers, Col. Michael C. Fiorelli and Joseph Fiorelli. He is survived by his sister, Philomena Fiorelli Zavarella; sister in law Reta Fiorelli, both of Cleveland, OH and many nieces, nephews and friends. He served in the United States Army, World War II in reconnaissance, stationed at Fort Ord, CA. Bill was an entertainer for sixty years. He was discovered by Bob Hope in 1948 while singing at the Chez Amie in Buffalo, NY. Bob asked him to appear on his show and changed his name to Bill Farrell. While on Bob's show he also appeared with Doris Day, Les Brown, and Radio announcer Hy Averback for two years. Christmas 1948, Bill accompanied Bob Hope and entourage to Berlin, Germany to entertain the troops during the Berlin Airlift. They remained lifelong friends. While singing on radio, Bill introduced many popular songs of the day. His most famous recordings were "You've Changed", "Circus", "Blue Velvet", "It Isn't Fair" and many more while under contract to MGM records. In the early 1950's, Bill had his own T.V. show out of Chicago. He regularly appeared at Moe's Main Street, Cleveland; Chubby's, Philiadelphia; Holiday House, Pittsburg; Desert Inn, Las Vegas; Oriental Theater, Chicago; The Apollo Theater and Bop City, New York where he worked with Woody Herman. Bill was a frequent guest on the Frank Sinatra show and they remained friends through his life. During his long career, Bill worked with Ziggy Elman, Gene Krupa, and Louis Jordan. He was featured in the second season of the "Palm Springs Follies" and appeared in many clubs throughout the Desert and Los Angeles. For many years he owned and operated the Italian Way Restaurant in Redondo Beach, CA. It was a popular spot at the beach where many entertainers dropped in and "sang" for their supper. Many thanks to Jack, Gretchen, Brenda, Pat and care givers at Vista Cove where he has lived for the past two and a half years. Also thanks to the Visiting Nurses, Hospice Care and to John Forand for all of his help and support. A memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert, CA on July 14, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Bill's family and friends suggest donations be made to Alzheimer's Association, Visiting Nurses, or a charity of your choice.