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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla .– Former South Florida talk show host Dick Farrel, known and loved by fans for his exaggerated right-wing views, has died of complications from COVID-19.
On Facebook, Farrel argued against getting the coronavirus vaccine and was skeptical of Dr.Anthony Fauci, head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and his recommendations regarding the coronavirus. Friends said that after contracting the virus, he changed his mind.
“COVID took one of my best friends! RIP Dick Farrel. That’s the reason I took the picture. He texted me and told me to ‘get it! “He told me this virus was no joke and he said, ‘I wish I had it!’ Farrel’s close friend Amy Leigh Hair said on her Facebook page. told WPTV, “I was one of the people like him who didn’t trust the vaccine. I trusted my immune system. I was just more afraid of contracting COVID-19 than of any possible side effects from the vaccine. I’m glad I was vaccinated. “
Former market manager for CBS Radio West Palm Beach, Lee Strasser, remembers Farrel, whom he hired in the 1990s. “Dick was flamboyant, outrageous at times and ready to take on any comer. ‘engage with local politicians and made no effort,’ he said. “Was he right all the time? No… But he was always right, especially if you asked him. Did he stay out of trouble? Not always. Was he great with customers? Yes. Was he a pleasure in the building? Absolutely. Was he loyal? Undoubtedly! Was he talented? Yes, sir! His passing is a great loss. He was a caring person with a lot of passion, and his memory will stand the test of time. We’ve all lost a friend to Farrel. “
Radio veteran and longtime friend George Kalman said: “We became such close friends that he always called me for advice when applying for jobs or anything related to the media. radio. I was like a big brother to him. As I have said [WPTV NewsChannel 5] on the phone, I owned WFLN AM in Arcadia and WJUP FM in Jupiter. He did the morning show on WJUP and I did the afternoon show. For WFLN, Farrel was production manager. After retiring and selling my stations in 2016, Farrel became a presenter for Newsmax and did some voiceover work. Before leaving for New York City [this] May he came to my house in Jupiter for a barbecue and was fine. [The] the problem is, COVID has had it. As you can imagine, I am very upset by his disappearance and will miss him very much. ”
“Dick has been a pioneer of hosting ‘shock talk’, certainly here in South Florida, and a staunch friend both personally and to listeners here for decades,” said Mick McCabe, Creative Director by Hubbard South Florida.
Former 98.7 The Gater radio personality Taylor Morgan said: “While we were politically opposed, we were still friends. We go back over 20 years. Dick was a huge fan of my dad, Jerry. Williams, a 50-year-old man. [Boston] broadcasting veteran. Because of this, we became friends. He was always very nice to me and always had a great story to tell. It makes me so sad. “
Those closest to Farrel say his fighting spirit was there until the end.
“… He fought like a tiger. Please don’t delay in calling attention to this disease. Yes, for some it has minimal effects, but for others it is. deadly. We will always love Dick Farrel, always appreciate his wit, and I miss him very much. He was known as the other Rush Limbaugh. With a heavy heart, I can only say it was so unexpected. He will be missed. ” his life partner Kit Farley said on Facebook.
Broadcaster Jay Zegar, officially of 98.7 The Gater, said, “I worked with Dick when I first got into radio and learned so much from him. I wasn’t in politics but it was very interesting to be on her show every week. A situation arose once where he did me a favor that made a difference in my career. We weren’t friends and he really didn’t have to, but it showed his compassion under the gruff radio personality. It is something that I have never forgotten and have always been grateful to him.
Dick Farrel obituary by George Kalman:
Farrel Austin Levitt was known to many friends and family when Dick Farrel passed away at 3:30 p.m. on August 4. Farrel was born to Max and Norma Levitt on August 1, 1956 in Queens, New York, where he was raised. He graduated from Queens College and pursued a lucrative career in radio. With his deep voice, Farrel did work at Long Island stations before landing a job as a morning man on WVIP FM Westchester, NY WJNO West Palm Beach. Later, Farrel worked at a number of top Florida radio stations including WIOD in Miami, WPBR in Palm Beach, WJUP FM in Jupiter, WFLN in Arcadia. Farrel has also been a presenter on Newsmax TV and has been the voice of many commercials he has produced for clients and advertising agencies. He is survived by his partner for many years and the love of his life Kitty Farley. Farrel will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
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