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River DJ?
- Thread starter ynot2k
- Start date
C
CubsFan
Guest
Nick passed away this morning of a heart attack. I don't think they have announced arrangements yet for a funeral, but I'm sure the station will have the information once plans are announced.
Nick worked up at WXLC/WKRS for at least 20 years or so. He was let go soon after Next Media took over a few years ago. I think he had been working out at the River for the last few years on the weekends.
> I hate having to ask this question here, but I'm having a
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
Nick worked up at WXLC/WKRS for at least 20 years or so. He was let go soon after Next Media took over a few years ago. I think he had been working out at the River for the last few years on the weekends.
> I hate having to ask this question here, but I'm having a
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
> I hate having to ask this question here, but I'm having a
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
It is true; Nick has passed away from an apparent heart attack. While Nick was PD at WKRS and WXLC, he launched a lot of careers. He had a great ear for embriotic talent and had a unique style of coaching (usually on the back porch; "Hey Buddy, buy ya a Coke," I can hear him saying).
Rest in peace Nick.
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
It is true; Nick has passed away from an apparent heart attack. While Nick was PD at WKRS and WXLC, he launched a lot of careers. He had a great ear for embriotic talent and had a unique style of coaching (usually on the back porch; "Hey Buddy, buy ya a Coke," I can hear him saying).
Rest in peace Nick.
> Nick passed away this morning of a heart attack. I don't
> think they have announced arrangements yet for a funeral,
> but I'm sure the station will have the information once
> plans are announced.
>
> Nick worked up at WXLC/WKRS for at least 20 years or so. He
> was let go soon after Next Media took over a few years ago.
> I think he had been working out at the River for the last
> few years on the weekends.
>
> > I hate having to ask this question here, but I'm having a
> > hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there
> to
> > confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> > today.
> > Does anyone know if that's true?
> >
>
Didn't want to hear this, but thank you very much. I'm another former coworker of Nick's and I know a lot of good folks who got their start thanks to Nick giving them a chance. As lame as it sounds, he will be missed.
> think they have announced arrangements yet for a funeral,
> but I'm sure the station will have the information once
> plans are announced.
>
> Nick worked up at WXLC/WKRS for at least 20 years or so. He
> was let go soon after Next Media took over a few years ago.
> I think he had been working out at the River for the last
> few years on the weekends.
>
> > I hate having to ask this question here, but I'm having a
> > hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there
> to
> > confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> > today.
> > Does anyone know if that's true?
> >
>
Didn't want to hear this, but thank you very much. I'm another former coworker of Nick's and I know a lot of good folks who got their start thanks to Nick giving them a chance. As lame as it sounds, he will be missed.
J
jimmyknight
Guest
> I hate having to ask this question here, but I'm having a
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
I am saddened to hear of Nick's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Nick gave me my first big break into radio in 1993 at Hot 102.3 WXLC. He took a chance on a 20 year old kid and only asked that I did not put ketchup and mustard on a hot dog since he was not looking for any hot dogs. I had NO idea what the hell that meant, but that was Nick. He was a PD that let you be you and never had a bad thing to say. He loved Radio, back then Radio was still fun and not 100% corporate. Nick was old school radio. I was lucky that Nick gave me my start in Radio as he did with so many others. You won't find that in today's RADIO! I wish there were more PD's in radio today like Nick.
I can hear Nick reading the Lotto numbers to the big guy in the sky right now!
Rest In Peace Nick.
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
I am saddened to hear of Nick's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Nick gave me my first big break into radio in 1993 at Hot 102.3 WXLC. He took a chance on a 20 year old kid and only asked that I did not put ketchup and mustard on a hot dog since he was not looking for any hot dogs. I had NO idea what the hell that meant, but that was Nick. He was a PD that let you be you and never had a bad thing to say. He loved Radio, back then Radio was still fun and not 100% corporate. Nick was old school radio. I was lucky that Nick gave me my start in Radio as he did with so many others. You won't find that in today's RADIO! I wish there were more PD's in radio today like Nick.
I can hear Nick reading the Lotto numbers to the big guy in the sky right now!
Rest In Peace Nick.
B
briguyforever
Guest
Slick Nick
I have to share a few thoughts on old Slick Nick. Last Friday I left for vacation, and Nick pulled me into the studio where we traded our mutual respect for each other for about 5 minutes. I am so glad we took the time.
I used to save every bit of evil, mean spirited insults I could think of and would unload on him when he showed up for his shift. He would come right back at me until we where yelling, 5 minutes later we where cracking up and outside having a smoke. I really appreciate his thick sense of humor as it made me smile, every day I looked forward to ripping into him and he coming back at me. I will be very bummed when I get back Monday and 2 o clock comes around and there is no one to "yell at".
Not only was he as cool as the other side of the pillow, he was a RADIO guy. He caught so many minor mistakes that others overlooked. He was a fill in at the River, and still perfomed as a full timer, his love for his craft was that strong. He had a strong grasp on what was good, and sought to bring it out of everyone. We could be mother f'ing each other up and down, and if my son or his grandkids came up, like a light switch he would become this loving and doting father and friend.
I could go on all night, but Nick, I am very sorry we never got to shoot craps together, we just put it off too long. And dont worry, I will back up my 6 and 8's, now in death I finaly hope you have learned how to hit a f'ing post!!
Thanks for reading this, if you knew him you would appreiate it, if you dont you should appreciate hearing about someone like him. Rest well Slick Nick.
I have to share a few thoughts on old Slick Nick. Last Friday I left for vacation, and Nick pulled me into the studio where we traded our mutual respect for each other for about 5 minutes. I am so glad we took the time.
I used to save every bit of evil, mean spirited insults I could think of and would unload on him when he showed up for his shift. He would come right back at me until we where yelling, 5 minutes later we where cracking up and outside having a smoke. I really appreciate his thick sense of humor as it made me smile, every day I looked forward to ripping into him and he coming back at me. I will be very bummed when I get back Monday and 2 o clock comes around and there is no one to "yell at".
Not only was he as cool as the other side of the pillow, he was a RADIO guy. He caught so many minor mistakes that others overlooked. He was a fill in at the River, and still perfomed as a full timer, his love for his craft was that strong. He had a strong grasp on what was good, and sought to bring it out of everyone. We could be mother f'ing each other up and down, and if my son or his grandkids came up, like a light switch he would become this loving and doting father and friend.
I could go on all night, but Nick, I am very sorry we never got to shoot craps together, we just put it off too long. And dont worry, I will back up my 6 and 8's, now in death I finaly hope you have learned how to hit a f'ing post!!
Thanks for reading this, if you knew him you would appreiate it, if you dont you should appreciate hearing about someone like him. Rest well Slick Nick.
> Rest In Peace Nick.
>
> Jimmy
>
If this is the Jimmy who I think it is (last name starts with N), I wish I could be up there to suck down some cold ones and toast Nick with you guys.
If I recall correctly (memory gets hazy as I get older), Nick was also p-d at WKRS back in 94 or 95 and was the last guy I sat with before I got hired on back there for my first real radio job in a newsroom.
As much as I learned, the best thing was the great people and friends I met--people I still talk to and love 12 years later and half a country away. Okay, that was the second best thing...meeting the woman who's now my wife was the best (and she's not making me say that. OUCH! quit that!)
Anyways, Nick, like Jimmy said, thanks for taking a chance on me. God bless you brother.
Mark
>
> Jimmy
>
If this is the Jimmy who I think it is (last name starts with N), I wish I could be up there to suck down some cold ones and toast Nick with you guys.
If I recall correctly (memory gets hazy as I get older), Nick was also p-d at WKRS back in 94 or 95 and was the last guy I sat with before I got hired on back there for my first real radio job in a newsroom.
As much as I learned, the best thing was the great people and friends I met--people I still talk to and love 12 years later and half a country away. Okay, that was the second best thing...meeting the woman who's now my wife was the best (and she's not making me say that. OUCH! quit that!)
Anyways, Nick, like Jimmy said, thanks for taking a chance on me. God bless you brother.
Mark
C
Cassidy22
Guest
Re: Slick Nick
Nick was my favorite crotchity "old" man. He complained about everything but that was because he knew what he liked and how he liked it. Nick and I would go smoke and talk about our futures and he would always offer wise advice. And if you knew Nick...you knew when he talked you listened. He would always have an opinion and it was something I cherished. I was in shock when I first found out and I have been thinking about it all day. To the man with the briefcase...I offer you the utmost respect.
JS
> I have to share a few thoughts on old Slick Nick. Last
> Friday I left for vacation, and Nick pulled me into the
> studio where we traded our mutual respect for each other for
> about 5 minutes. I am so glad we took the time.
>
> I used to save every bit of evil, mean spirited insults I
> could think of and would unload on him when he showed up for
> his shift. He would come right back at me until we where
> yelling, 5 minutes later we where cracking up and outside
> having a smoke. I really appreciate his thick sense of
> humor as it made me smile, every day I looked forward to
> ripping into him and he coming back at me. I will be very
> bummed when I get back Monday and 2 o clock comes around and
> there is no one to "yell at".
>
> Not only was he as cool as the other side of the pillow, he
> was a RADIO guy. He caught so many minor mistakes that
> others overlooked. He was a fill in at the River, and still
> perfomed as a full timer, his love for his craft was that
> strong. He had a strong grasp on what was good, and sought
> to bring it out of everyone. We could be mother f'ing each
> other up and down, and if my son or his grandkids came up,
> like a light switch he would become this loving and doting
> father and friend.
>
> I could go on all night, but Nick, I am very sorry we never
> got to shoot craps together, we just put it off too long.
> And dont worry, I will back up my 6 and 8's, now in death I
> finaly hope you have learned how to hit a f'ing post!!
>
> Thanks for reading this, if you knew him you would appreiate
> it, if you dont you should appreciate hearing about someone
> like him. Rest well Slick Nick.
>
Nick was my favorite crotchity "old" man. He complained about everything but that was because he knew what he liked and how he liked it. Nick and I would go smoke and talk about our futures and he would always offer wise advice. And if you knew Nick...you knew when he talked you listened. He would always have an opinion and it was something I cherished. I was in shock when I first found out and I have been thinking about it all day. To the man with the briefcase...I offer you the utmost respect.
JS
> I have to share a few thoughts on old Slick Nick. Last
> Friday I left for vacation, and Nick pulled me into the
> studio where we traded our mutual respect for each other for
> about 5 minutes. I am so glad we took the time.
>
> I used to save every bit of evil, mean spirited insults I
> could think of and would unload on him when he showed up for
> his shift. He would come right back at me until we where
> yelling, 5 minutes later we where cracking up and outside
> having a smoke. I really appreciate his thick sense of
> humor as it made me smile, every day I looked forward to
> ripping into him and he coming back at me. I will be very
> bummed when I get back Monday and 2 o clock comes around and
> there is no one to "yell at".
>
> Not only was he as cool as the other side of the pillow, he
> was a RADIO guy. He caught so many minor mistakes that
> others overlooked. He was a fill in at the River, and still
> perfomed as a full timer, his love for his craft was that
> strong. He had a strong grasp on what was good, and sought
> to bring it out of everyone. We could be mother f'ing each
> other up and down, and if my son or his grandkids came up,
> like a light switch he would become this loving and doting
> father and friend.
>
> I could go on all night, but Nick, I am very sorry we never
> got to shoot craps together, we just put it off too long.
> And dont worry, I will back up my 6 and 8's, now in death I
> finaly hope you have learned how to hit a f'ing post!!
>
> Thanks for reading this, if you knew him you would appreiate
> it, if you dont you should appreciate hearing about someone
> like him. Rest well Slick Nick.
>
C
calista
Guest
Re: Slick Nick
I've contacted as many of the former WKRS/WXLC people who worked there whom I can remember. Many knew, some didn't.
Nick's home address is in Park City, but unlisted, along with his phone. If I hear of memorial services, I will get permission to post the information here.
This is a bad loss for good radio -- and good people in radio.
I've contacted as many of the former WKRS/WXLC people who worked there whom I can remember. Many knew, some didn't.
Nick's home address is in Park City, but unlisted, along with his phone. If I hear of memorial services, I will get permission to post the information here.
This is a bad loss for good radio -- and good people in radio.
C
calista
Guest
Re: Slick Nick
> I've contacted as many of the former WKRS/WXLC people who
> worked there whom I can remember. Many knew, some didn't.
>
> Nick's home address is in Park City, but unlisted, along
> with his phone. If I hear of memorial services, I will get
> permission to post the information here.
>
> This is a bad loss for good radio -- and good people in
> radio.
>
I guess it's ok to throw this up here. I think we all know each other.
Memorial services for Nick Farella are Monday at Strang Funeral Chapel in Grayslake.
410 E Belvidere Rd
Grayslake, IL 60030
(847) 223-8122
The memorial/visitation is in the afternoon; please call for exact hours and details.
The funeral is Tuesday at 12:30 at the same location.
Godspeed, Nick.
> I've contacted as many of the former WKRS/WXLC people who
> worked there whom I can remember. Many knew, some didn't.
>
> Nick's home address is in Park City, but unlisted, along
> with his phone. If I hear of memorial services, I will get
> permission to post the information here.
>
> This is a bad loss for good radio -- and good people in
> radio.
>
I guess it's ok to throw this up here. I think we all know each other.
Memorial services for Nick Farella are Monday at Strang Funeral Chapel in Grayslake.
410 E Belvidere Rd
Grayslake, IL 60030
(847) 223-8122
The memorial/visitation is in the afternoon; please call for exact hours and details.
The funeral is Tuesday at 12:30 at the same location.
Godspeed, Nick.
Re: Slick Nick
> > I've contacted as many of the former WKRS/WXLC people who
> > worked there whom I can remember. Many knew, some didn't.
>
> >
> > Nick's home address is in Park City, but unlisted, along
> > with his phone. If I hear of memorial services, I will get
>
> > permission to post the information here.
> >
> > This is a bad loss for good radio -- and good people in
> > radio.
> >
>
>
> I guess it's ok to throw this up here. I think we all know
> each other.
>
> Memorial services for Nick Farella are Monday at Strang
> Funeral Chapel in Grayslake.
>
just want to take a moment to say i remember nick well even going back to the 'YEN days....the furilla fella was cool and i did have the chance to work with him when he was at XLC...as stated before a great radio guy....who loved the business and dearly loved his family....not in tluch as much lately but anytime he called...it was always fun and i could count on him to be a little bit grumpy....just a great guy and i think he would find these 'tributes' very comforting as will his family i am sure....as said before Godspeed and Nick I hope the radio business 'up there' is fun fo ryou too
> 410 E Belvidere Rd
> Grayslake, IL 60030
> (847) 223-8122
>
> The memorial/visitation is in the afternoon; please call for
> exact hours and details.
>
> The funeral is Tuesday at 12:30 at the same location.
>
> Godspeed, Nick.
>
> > I've contacted as many of the former WKRS/WXLC people who
> > worked there whom I can remember. Many knew, some didn't.
>
> >
> > Nick's home address is in Park City, but unlisted, along
> > with his phone. If I hear of memorial services, I will get
>
> > permission to post the information here.
> >
> > This is a bad loss for good radio -- and good people in
> > radio.
> >
>
>
> I guess it's ok to throw this up here. I think we all know
> each other.
>
> Memorial services for Nick Farella are Monday at Strang
> Funeral Chapel in Grayslake.
>
just want to take a moment to say i remember nick well even going back to the 'YEN days....the furilla fella was cool and i did have the chance to work with him when he was at XLC...as stated before a great radio guy....who loved the business and dearly loved his family....not in tluch as much lately but anytime he called...it was always fun and i could count on him to be a little bit grumpy....just a great guy and i think he would find these 'tributes' very comforting as will his family i am sure....as said before Godspeed and Nick I hope the radio business 'up there' is fun fo ryou too
> 410 E Belvidere Rd
> Grayslake, IL 60030
> (847) 223-8122
>
> The memorial/visitation is in the afternoon; please call for
> exact hours and details.
>
> The funeral is Tuesday at 12:30 at the same location.
>
> Godspeed, Nick.
>
J
joekerjr
Guest
All these posts bring tears to my eyes. I was another fresh kid with a faked aircheck that Nick gave a shot to. I was there when he left XLC. He was never replaced nor could he be. I also remember fondly the back porch talks. Never had a better aircheck than smokin with Goodfella Farella. Nick, I know that wherever you are you've got a full head of glorious hair!
L
LenOKelly
Guest
A few thoughts on Nick Farella
Not that long ago a few of us grizzled (and some not-so-grizzled) radio folk were joking about starting a website called "The Six Degrees Of Nick Farella." Based on the number of people who worked with him (hell, I worked with him FOUR times), and the vast number of people who Nick got started at XLC/KRS, we figured you could trace just about anyone in radio to Nick.
When I was PD at the River back in 2001, I was looking to bring in some veterans to work alongside a young staff. Nick was one of the first people I thought of. Mind you, it was Nextmedia who had let him go in Waukegan, so I wasn't sure if he'd come back to work for them. He was happy to do it, and I sensed that he was really having fun doing it.
Every few weeks I'd be at home on a Saturday, and I'd see "The River" come up on the caller ID. It was Nick, just seeing how things were going. He'd always ask how my mother was doing, how things were at the station, we'd commiserate on the "state of the union" these days - always pleasant visits. If anything, Nick taught me the value in calling on people when you *don't* need something.
Radio could use more guys like Nick - guys who care about what's coming out of the speakers at the other end. God bless, buddy.
Not that long ago a few of us grizzled (and some not-so-grizzled) radio folk were joking about starting a website called "The Six Degrees Of Nick Farella." Based on the number of people who worked with him (hell, I worked with him FOUR times), and the vast number of people who Nick got started at XLC/KRS, we figured you could trace just about anyone in radio to Nick.
When I was PD at the River back in 2001, I was looking to bring in some veterans to work alongside a young staff. Nick was one of the first people I thought of. Mind you, it was Nextmedia who had let him go in Waukegan, so I wasn't sure if he'd come back to work for them. He was happy to do it, and I sensed that he was really having fun doing it.
Every few weeks I'd be at home on a Saturday, and I'd see "The River" come up on the caller ID. It was Nick, just seeing how things were going. He'd always ask how my mother was doing, how things were at the station, we'd commiserate on the "state of the union" these days - always pleasant visits. If anything, Nick taught me the value in calling on people when you *don't* need something.
Radio could use more guys like Nick - guys who care about what's coming out of the speakers at the other end. God bless, buddy.
> I hate having to ask this question here, but I'm having a
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
I am sorry to say yes he did....Friday morning. (9-9-05)
> hard time getting a hold of some old colleagues up there to
> confirm this, but I heard that River DJ Nick Farella died
> today.
> Does anyone know if that's true?
>
I am sorry to say yes he did....Friday morning. (9-9-05)
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