50YearsInBroadcasting2

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My Tribute to Bill Cardille
by Kate Cardille-Rogal

I've a tall tale to tell you
of a man so sweet and bright
of a man who's courage inspires
and his presence presents delight

Yes once in a lifetime this man comes along
a soul and spirit like no other
and I feel like the luckiest here
cause he's the father of my mother

Not a lie to say he's a hero
and a leader among his peers
and although he's not a "bad guy"
He's successfully scared children for years

Everyone in Pittsburgh knows him
at least all over 35
he's a fighter among fighters
and he continues to survive

By now I think you know
who's demeanor couldn't be sweeter
his name is Chilly Billy
the host of (you guessed it) Chiller Theater

But not only was he scary
he also held another side
I have yet to see a day
when his help is ever denied

His heart is bigger than a zeppelin
and please pardon the cliche
But I strive to be like you grandpa
each and every single day

And although you're quite the jagoff
and at times almost bizarre
I'd be more than happy, Bill
to be half the person you are

It's pretty cool that in this life
from you I could descend
I'm so lucky to be your family
and I'm humbled to be your friend

Your accomplishments are many
your impressions always lasting
so congratulations Chilly Billy
on 50 years in broadcasting!

Here's the letter that Bill Cardille received from
long time friend and Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Chairman Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis

November 10, 2007

William Cardille
WJAS-AM 1320
900 Parish Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Dear Chilly:

Congratulations on 50 years in broadcasting. Your dedication
to "my kids" over the past 37 of those years has been remarkable,
from our first Telethon together raising $75,000 to the 2007
Telethon in which more than $1 million dollars was raised in
the Pittsburgh market.

The funds you've helped make possible have provided continued
help through diagnostic and follow-up care, and assistance with
the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces, and communication
devices. You've also helped MDA provide summer camps for
"my kids," which I know you've had the pleasure of experiencing
firsthand, and hope for the future through our research program
seeking treatments and cures.

Chilly, you truly are a Champion! All of us at MDA take great
pride in having you as a friend and partner. Thank you for your
commitment to making a difference in the lives of the families
we serve.

God bless you...

Love, Jerry

Singer and Pianist Judi Figel wrote a parody song to
honor Bill Cardille for his 50 years in Pittsburgh broadcasting.

Ode To Bill Cardille
(to the tune of "Wedding Bell Blues")

Bill, we love you so, we always will
We celebrate your 50 years on the air today
But I bet your fans never knew you were born in Sharon, PA
I was a little girl, Bill, when you were schmoozin'
the late night fans with horror, you were just foolin'
So kisses and love we send to you cause we're proud of you, Bill

We love you so, we always will
Your Chiller Theater scared us all 'til 1983
Oh but now 1320 WJAS is where you like to be
Don't forget Channel 11, it was WIIC-TV
You hosted "Studio Wrestling" and The "4:00 Money Movie"
But we love you most when the play the host on Labor Day, Bill

We love you so, we always will
We know devotion rules your heart when it comes to Louise
And your daughter Lori followed in your footsteps with ease
Now we celebrate Bill
You always gave us a thrill
Our hats are off to you, Bill
How 'bout 50 more, Bill?
We Love you, Bill
Bill Cardille

Bill Cardille's grand daughter Kate Cardille-Rogel
shared a special poem that she wrote for the 50th
Anniversary celebration.

November 10, 2007 is "William Robert "Chilly Billy" Cardille Day"!
Bill Cardille receive's a Proclamation from City of Pittsburgh
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
(AFTRA) presented Bill Cardille with the first "Bill Cardille
Award" for Service to broadcasting, the Community and
AFTRA. Bill is a former AFTRA local president and
AFTRA National Vice President. He was named
AFTRA's TV Personality of the Year and was inducted
into AFTRA's Hall of Fame in 1979. In 1997
Bill was inducted into the Pennsylvania Broadcaster
Hall of Fame.