Nicholas Farella Obituary

Dear Dad, it's been so long since I've heard your voice, and yet I close my eyes and hear you say my name like your right next to me..... I was hoping by now the pain would be bearable, it still is not. I think about you every day. I miss you every second. The only comfort I have is when I hear people tell their stories about how you changed their lives for the better. It is then I remember that you'll always be around me through the memories, love, and guidance you gave to myself and so many people around me..... I Love You Dad, then, now and always! xoxo

I'm saddened that I only now discovered that my dear friend from so many years ago had passed. Nick, Tony and I were in Highschool together, and worked together at the Cassese Bakery in North Chicago. Life took me away to separate challenges. God Bless him and the Family

I'm sorry to hear of Nick's passing. Nick and I worked together (mostly on weekends) at WKRS radio in Waukegan. I especially remember the stories about Cassese Bakery in North Chicago. He even brought me a pastry with eggs baked in it one Easter. I will always remember his full, rich and deep voice. Every now and then I remember some little tidbit of conversation. It was completely accidental that I ran across this obit notice. I'm happy that I "found" him again. My best to family.

The Farellas used to be our neighbors in North Chicago. My daughter Liz was sad when the Farellas moved away, as she and Carrie were friends. Liz has been wondering whatever happened to Carrie. Hope Carrie is doing okay.

Sorry about your loss Jackie. My dad Ken (Kenny) passed away in March 2010 at Lake Forest Hospital from Pneumonia. He was 87.

All these years and I miss you more than ever Dad. Give Gram a hug for me.
Happy Father's Day, I Love You

I just read my words from 12 years ago. I can repeat that same sentiment. Nick gave to me much more than I am capable of giving. There is no way I can put into words what I feel in my heart. I know I am years closer to being called home. And I know Nick will one of those I love so much waiting for me with open arms. His smile is in my heart and I sure wish I had his phone number right now! I pray for comfort for the whole family. God Bless. Jim

I cannot tell you how many times I think of Nick during my travels in life. When the weather changes, when we have a little earthquake, or some news from the family, I think of Nick. I seem to expect I will get a call seeing if everyone is OK after that last little quake. And with the passing of Aunt Theresa, my first thought was a call from Nick.

I do miss the calls. But it would be too selfish of me to want the calls to take place again. This is because I know that he is very happy in the arms of Jesus. We, are in the arms of His spirit. However, Nick and many others close to us, get a front row seat. I guess this is the part where I need to plan patience. I am here to do His work. And when it is my time, I will be very happy to join the celebration of life everlasting.

For now, I am going to enjoy those moments I think of Nick and his kindness. I am going to try and pass that kindness on to those around me. That is what Nick left with me. Well he left me with at least one other thing; a memory of him singing at the bakery, at the top of his lungs. Now that really makes me smile! What a beautiful voice.

I trust in the Lord with all my heart and all my strength. I pray the same for you.

God Bless,
Jim Napolitano

Dad,
Today it has been 2 years. I still miss you so much...I hope you know just how much you are still talked about and thought about. I am still finding out how much you touched people's lives, and made such a difference for so many people. When you hear people say "his legacy lives on", that doesn't even begin to express it.
I am so very proud to call you my Dad. You are always in my thoughts and always find a way to pop up in my everyday life. I wouldn't have it any other way!
Say hi to aunt Theresa for us, I know you guys are having one heck of a card game...
Rest in peace Dad, we will all take care of eachother here.
I LOVE YOU!
FOREVER.....

Happy Birthday Nick,
Love you always,
Mom
7-28-2007

Happy Birthday Nick... I love you~

Well what can I say, it has been over a year and I am just now being able to do this. First and foremost, I love you Dad!! We all miss Nick very much and while we have all lost someone very special, I know he is still helping others and watching out for all of us, just in a different way. Thank you to everyone who has been there for myself and my family. You have all helped us to try and get thru this difficult time in our lives. It helps to know my dad had such wonderful and caring friends and family. Thank you again for all that you have done, your kindness will never be forgotten!!!
Love, Shortcakes

Dad,

This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. The past year has been an emotional roller coaster. I miss you SO MUCH....

Thank you to everyone who has had a kind word or thought to say about my father. We all know that he was, is, and always will be the most dedicated man on the face of this earth. His loyality and love for his family and everyone around him is one of the best examples of what a father, friend and human being can be. Although we have lost him physically, his being lives on through everyone he has met.

There are so many lessons that my dad taught us kids. Two that stand out the most, are how "not" to use duct tape, (those who know him well know what I mean) and to treat others the way you want to be treated yourself....

All my love forever,

Jackie (aka frick)

Nick,



It was truly a pleasure and honor to be your associate at WKRS/WXLC Waukegan. You personified integrity and professionalism, and you were an inspiration to us all. I will miss your sincerity, kindness, and wisdom, and I join all of those who grieve for you.



Rest in peace my friend.



Barry Dickstein

owner, WKRS/WXLC

Nick was a great guy. I loved coming into the station on saturdays and talking to Nick for a few hours. He cracked me up. I learned so much from Nick. I am glad to be one in the sea of many that he "took under his wing". He is so greatly missed wnd will be.

Uncle Nicky,



I don’t believe you’re gone. It’s like something is keeping me from realizing the fact that you are no longer here. Maybe that something is the fact that you were taken far too early.



When I think of you, I think of all the time I spent at your house and how you never turned me away.



How through your words and actions toward me you only wanted what you felt what the absolute best for me and for everyone around you.



I want you to know I am proud of you and the life you lead. Any chance I had I would brag that you were my uncle.



I also want you to know as much as I want to know that you are ok where you are now, I will be okay, though not without a huge void that will not be filled except with my pride and fond memories of you.



Dear uncle please rest in peace.



I knew a few of the many people my uncle had touched through out his life and yesterday I got to see almost all of you again, and a lot that I did not know. Thank you all for your love and support of my very loving (sometimes tough loving) uncle and his family. We will all miss him very much!



All my love always and forever your sweetie pie (and you're Blondie too)

Nick inspired many young people to live their dreams. He was encouraging and always kind with everyone. He touched a lot of lives and will be missed greatly. My prayers are with his family during this time.

Nick was always a very devoted, caring and loving person. Since his birth he was special. I remember his Grandma Farella called him “Nicky Boy, my Angel”. He spent a lot of time of time with his Grandparents in their bakery and he really made a fantastic pizza. The whole family was in the bakery together and it was such a pleasure to see their closeness, they always had a great time together. They can be grateful to have such wonderful memories to hold onto.



As Nick grew so did his greatness. He was so devoted to his family and friends. Never did a earthquake or fire happen in California that he wasn’t immediately on the phone to see if all of his California family was OK and if we needed anything.



We all looked forward so much to Nick and Karen’s visits. It was always a fun time.You could not only see but feel the strong love they had for each other and their family.



May God be with each and every one of his family members and give them the strength and courage to continue on with life until they meet with Nick again. May his memory linger on for ever in their hearts.

It's ironic that, despite working in a medium that places such a high value on words, words are not enough to express how we feel at this time. May your memory be eternal, Nick.

I'm still in shock. I worked with Nick and know/knew Karen from my six months at MSM, where Nick and Karen, Wayne and Brian Breiman (good friends)and a lot of other great people work. Nick was never anything but encouraging and upbeat. He made me feel so welcome right from my first day there, was always ready with a great word when I needed it, never told a joke unless it was a good one, and had that great Sicilian/Radio personality along with it. I have always wished that I could get to know him better, but I at least got to hear some wonderful radio stories (which always made me wish I'd stayed on the air), and I always expected to have another chance to get together with him (if only at Wayne's house). My son Paul called me on Friday to let me know, and then I talked with Wayne and Brian, who were there when Nick moved on. I know that I speak for everyeone at MSM and the wider world that knew Nick when I say I'll miss him VERY much, and I'll always remember him well as a true gentleman and positive influence in a world that has far too few of either. Rest in God's peace, my friend - I hope I'll see you again one day - we know where you're waiting. One last thought - I hope there's radio in heaven. If there is, Nick Joseph's on! Karen, I wish you all of the peace and comfort you deserve at this very difficult time.

It was a pleasure to be your boss.

It was truly an honor to be your friend!

Your great outlook and positive spirit will live on FOREVER!

As a former member of the XLC/KRS family, how fondly I remember Nick ("the Knickerbocker") and his putting up with the antics of the young and eager all around him. Always had time to stop for a conversation about anything from the kids to cannoli, and even when he didn't, there was always the daily "previously on NYPD Blue" he'd rumble in that incredibly familiar voice as he passed by the office.



Like family to me in my heart, you will be so dearly missed Nick. Thanks so much for giving so many kids a chance.



Love and prayers for Karen and the rest of the Farella family.

Nick,



Even though your grandmother and my grandmother were sisters, I still consider you my brother.



When you visited your California relatives at a young age, I was able to meet you for the first time of my memory. You were about 6 or 7 years older than me. I was awed by your strength of life. You knew what you wanted out of life and showed your zest in the power of your voice.



When I returned the pleasure of a visit to your neck of the woods, I saw you in your element. You were the strength of the family bakery. I would have to say, large and in charge. The quality of your work was beyond excellent. Light and airy, there were rolls and pastries that would make your mouth water for more.



I woke up early on a snowy day. It was my first morning in Waukegan. I walked in the snow to the bakery for a visit. It started out as a good idea. You thought I was nuts for doing that. After arriving and feeling so numb, I agreed with you. I learned not to walk in the blowing snow. Because of that learning experience, I was also able to see you at home in your work. It was really a joy to see you singing Italian songs at the top of your voice while baking in the large oven. The radio playing, you singing, and the smell of those pastries, I’ll never forget. Even then, you were a radio fan. I never knew anyone that knew more about radio than you.



Over the years we traded trips to each other’s home ground. You had a tendency to want to meet at the halfway point. As you described it, the halfway point was Las Vegas. Seemed fair to me! One time when we went to the casino you went to the dice table and I went to the 21 tables. You see, I deeply concentrate while counting the cards when I play. There are times that I think a bomb could go off and I wouldn’t notice. But not that night! You were winning and you were loud. People at my table were craning their necks to see what all the fuss was. When I finally looked up, I could hear you across the room. When I got to you, you said, “Lets get out of here!” You had won an amount of money that would equal a new car! I thought it was great, a good lesson in, ‘quit while you are ahead.’ Just for the record, I think Nick had 14 straight passes!



Of all the times I enjoyed together, there were the many times we spent talking about family, and our Lord. Nick was a very deep person. I enjoyed the lively discussions either on the phone or sitting out in my backyard. Even though I thought of him as a brother, I thought of my Dad when he spoke. Maybe it’s because he admired my Dad so much. Or maybe it is because we are all on the same page regarding our core belief of family and God. I can see Nick now enjoying a laugh with our family before me. I can’t wait to join them when the Lord calls.



He always knew what he wanted. And he always led his family in the right direction. I will miss you Nick with all my heart. I thank you for all you have given me. You have given me things that don’t have a price tag but are worth so much more.

Some time ago a few of us radio types were toying with creating "The Six Degrees of Nick Farella." Theory was, almost everyone in radio in Chicagoland could likely trace themselves somehow to Nick. Nick started so many careers in Waukegan over the years (which he may not have admitted to, but did), and loved the business.



He was always great about calling just to see how you were doing - not because he needed anything, just because he cared. It's such a rare commodity anymore, and I think that's what stands out for me.



I'm proud to say I worked with Nick four different times over the years. God bless you, buddy.

Nick was a wonderful boss and human being. He always had a smile (and a glass of soda) in hand.



Nick will be missed by many and thought of fondly. Condolences to his family and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.



Jennifer Keiper

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Nick and the entire Farella family for over 45 years. Memories abound, growing up in North Chicago, going to the bakery on Saturday mornings for fresh out-of-the oven Italian bread, and I’ll never forget, the complimentary breadstick. Nick and Karen’s willingness to take care of my two (2) young daughters for an entire week in 1983 as I traveled on business. Finding Nick and Karen a home in the 1980’s as I dabbled as a part-time realtor. And Nick’s genuine concern for my family and me when I was out of work back in 2000. Nick was certainly devoted to his family and friends, and such a gifted and giving person. As a DJ, Nick had such a smooth and wonderfully mellow voice. He gave new meaning to DJ, he was a Definite Jewel on the radio for the past 35 years.



May God be a comfort to Karen, their children, grandchildren, a great mother, brother and sister, and the so many relatives and friends that Nick had the opportunity to impact and touch over the years. The Thompson family sends their deepest condolences to the entire Farella family. Nick, you will be missed.



“Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted” Matthew 5:4

Nick,



We shared some great times together. You kept me calm when I wanted to be crazy. You helped me become a better person. I will think of you every time I shuffle a deck of cards! I will miss you tremendously. God Speed my friend.

Dear Nick~God just took into his staff another caring Angel. But of course you were in his employee long before he called you home with the countless deeds you did to help those whom were close to you and those who worked with you at WXLC & WKRS. Thanks again for that special phone call you made on my behalf that kept my radio career on track. May your mansion in our Father's house be the biggest one, because you deserve it. Farewell for now.

Nick,

Good ole St.Nick...even more jovial than Santa..Your humor and nonchalant ways of making someone feel right at home was definetly a blessing from GOD. Your positive attitude with me and the sales department at XLC helped bridge a gap between sales and programming that never existed, ever before!!!

God must of needed a "ON AIR PERSONALITY" in heaven, so he took NICK FARELLA. You will be missed!!

I will miss my good friend, Nick, who has kept in touch with me since the day I met him, even though we haven't always worked together. Nick gave me my start at WXLC and has mentored me ever since. Not only have we lost a great talent, but a wonderful friend. Nick always had words of encouragement, and always had time to ask after my family. Our sincere condolences go to Karen and the rest of Nick's family. Nick, you have touched more lives than you will ever know.

Some random Nick memories:



-The WXLC back porch chats



-The passionate discussions about the pros and cons of the different types of casinos (Indian versus riverboat versus Las Vegas versus Atlantic City)



-"Hey, buy ya a Coke"



-His high tolerance for the idiocyncrasies of his oftentimes young airstaff



-His ability to survive no matter how inept his GMs were



-His pride in his family



-How he never once failed to ask how Clay and the kids were doing



-His amazing ability to discern raw talent in the worst beginner's aircheck, hire that person, and then beam with pride as they left him for Milwaukee or Rockford or Chicago



Nick was a true radio pro, a good friend, and an all-around nice man. He impacted so many lives greatly during his time here, and will be sorely missed.



Rest in Peace, Nick. Thank you for everything. May your memory be a blessing and bring comfort to your family and loved ones.

Nick,



You were always there with a kind word, a bit of advice and of course, those Junior Mints. You were a joy to work for at WXLC and I cannot tell you how much I will treasure this last month and a half we got to enjoy together every day at The River.



I echo the thoughts of so many others who have been touched by Nick's caring ways. Don't get me wrong, he was no pushover, but he was always willing to help someone. And you know that he enjoyed every second of it!



I'll miss seeing him come into the studio at 2 o'clock with his coke and briefcase and a hearty "hey boss, how are ya!" Later on in the day, he'd thank me for the Chicago or Ides of March song that happened to be on his playlist and say "ya know, you're alright - I don't care what they say! Can I get you a coke?"



I know what they are saying today Nick: you're alright too!



Rest in peace my friend!

A great friend. A great laugh. A great smile. Nick, you will be missed by so many, including me. My heart goes out to your family and friends.

My grandfather is Frank Farella, mom is Sandra Farella-Gust-Venturi. I have not seen Nick in years, but I think of all of my family often and was very saddened by his passing. My heart goes out to you. Tammy Gust-Cason

I am honored to have worked with Nick. He genuinely cared about his staff, and wanted the best for those who gave their best.



He was not one to give compliments off the cuff, so when he did give a compliment, you knew he meant what he said. As when he told me recently at a colleague's wedding that I was deejaying, that he thought I was true professional; although I sometimes don't feel like one.



He's given me some great advice in my part-time radio career, and has vouched for me when I moved into a downtown station. It's also because of Nick that I am now working with Dick Biondi. Without him, I would not be where I am right now, enjoying what I do.



The reasons above are why I considered him a friend and a mentor.



Nick, you will be missed.



My wife and I send our deepest & heartfelt condolences and love to his family.



Pete & Bev

I had worked with Nick for years, and he never had anything negative to say, except once.



We were discussing the finer points of making a home made pizza crust. I had said that I preferred the bread dough resting for a few days before making the pizza. He looked at me incredulously and said that I was just plain nuts - you gotta use the dough fresh - how in the world did I come up with that rediculous idea? Such honest passion.



Nick, I'm sorry that I never got to tell you how right you were, and how wrong I was about that. After one short "of course!" from you later, we'd have been on to the next thing.



Godspeed, Nick, and may God bless and watch kindly over your family.

"The good they die young."

Nick, You were taken from us far too soon. While you'll be missed by so many, you will live forever in the hearts and minds of all who were lucky enough to have known you.

"That's what I like about you!"

Great voice, Infectious laugh, kind words, caring, giving heart and so much more....Nick--you'll be missed too much!

Nick,



Those who knew you loved you as a man of principle, compassion and wisdom. You will be missed by many for countless days.



Rest peacefully, my friend!

September 9, 2005

The day the music died

I love you forever Nick~

Carol