Bill LaVorgna (Liza's Pappy) has died. (updated)

[DAME]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 9:53pm

UPDATE: Bill passed away this morning.


email from the Official list:

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 2:45 PM

Sad news to pass along. Bill LaVorgna passed away this morning.

Please know that Liza is grateful for all your love and support, and all the
prayers for Bill, Joan, and the family.

Tonight's concert is still happening, and Thursday's will also. Any updates to
the schedule will of course be on the website, as they come through.

We all deal with loss in our own ways. I personally can't think of a better way
or a better tribute to the dear soul Pappy was and IS, than to share the gift of
music that they both cherished for over 30 years together, tonight, and every
night that Liza steps onto a stage.

Thanks everyone. I'm grateful to Casey, to Beverly, to Sue Meyer, and of course
to Liza, for reaching out to me and to all of us.

Scott S.








www.officiallizaminnelli.com

Updated On: 8/5/07 at 09:53 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 9:56pm

This is the e mail I got today.


Saturday, July 28th, 2007 -- 4 :07 PM

Liza just called me and asked that I get this up on the website right away, as she is a firm believer in the power of prayer, and she needs our prayers now -- Bill LaVorgna (Pappy) Liza's lifelong "hero" and friend (and Musical Director / Conductor) suffered a major heart attack today. Liza called on her way to Florida, to be with him, of course.

Liza has, again, asked that we PLEASE keep Pappy in our thoughts (and his family, of course). "You know I believe in the power of prayer," Liza said to me, so please do think of Pappy, Joan, and everyone -- including our Liza May.

I'll keep you posted as much as possible.

Thanks everyone.

Scott Schechter

Updated On: 7/31/07 at 09:56 PM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 10:26pm

There wouldn't BE a Liza Minnelli without Pappy.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 10:53pm

No there wouldn't.

Updated On: 7/31/07 at 10:53 PM

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 10:54pm

Great Man.

Brilliant Musician.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 10:56pm

Bill and a fan.

Updated On: 7/28/07 at 10:56 PM

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:04pm

That's not his wife, that's a fan.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:09pm

Noted.

[Ivan the Wonderful]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:12pm

Is that you in that picture Dame?
Get well whoever you are. If Liza loves you so do I.

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/28/07 at 11:14pm

Jim Caruso used to have a pic of Bill and his wife, Joan, on his Flickr page, but I can't seem to find it now. It was from one of the recent show dates.

EDIT: Found it!



Joan & Bill Updated On: 7/28/07 at 11:14 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 7/29/07 at 5:08am

I love looking at all the tour pictures on that site.

[theaternut]

Posted: 7/29/07 at 12:43pm

This makes me very sad. What a lovely man.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/29/07 at 2:21pm

BUMP. Send prayers. Keep him in your thoughts.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 1:42pm

Bump. I guess he is not out of the woods yet.

[kooky]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 5:20pm

Good wishes for Bill, what a fab guy and drummer.

[chaosbria]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 6:18pm

Hello everyone. I just wanted to thank all of you, on behalf of my family for your support for my grandfather and for us during this time. Unfortunately, it's not looking very good for Pop right now unless he can regain conciousness. Whatever way things happen, I'll try to keep you guys informed.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 6:49pm

I wasn't aware Bill Had grand kids. I hope your grandpa is doing well. Everyone send good thoughts.

Updated On: 7/30/07 at 06:49 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 7/30/07 at 6:54pm

From Officiallizaminnelli.com :

Monday, July 30th, 2007 10:25 AM

It seems as if Pappy is not doing well at all, sad to have to report. Please do keep Bill and his family in your prayers and thoughts -- and Liza, too, of course.

As of right now, Liza is still planning on doing the concert in Rochester, NY, tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 31st, even thought she's understandably shaken over Bill's heart attack. If I hear anything differently, or any other updates, they will certainly be posted on OfficialLizaMinnelli.com

Thanks again for all your support and wishes over the weekend. Please know it all means so very much to Liza.

Lizas web page

Updated On: 7/30/07 at 06:54 PM

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 9:02am

Pappy bump

[DAME]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 12:50pm

Pappy Bump indeed.

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:23pm

Chaosbria, I'm so sorry to learn of your grandfather's passing. Please know you and yours have my heartfelt sympathy and prayers.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:33pm

He passed? Where are you getting this info?

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:37pm

email from the Official list:

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 2:45 PM

Sad news to pass along. Bill LaVorgna passed away this morning.

Please know that Liza is grateful for all your love and support, and all the
prayers for Bill, Joan, and the family.

Tonight's concert is still happening, and Thursday's will also. Any updates to
the schedule will of course be on the website, as they come through.

We all deal with loss in our own ways. I personally can't think of a better way
or a better tribute to the dear soul Pappy was and IS, than to share the gift of
music that they both cherished for over 30 years together, tonight, and every
night that Liza steps onto a stage.

Thanks everyone. I'm grateful to Casey, to Beverly, to Sue Meyer, and of course
to Liza, for reaching out to me and to all of us.

Scott S.

[chaosbria]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:40pm

Yes, my grandfather passed away around 9 am this morning. Thank you once again for your sympathies.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/31/07 at 4:41pm

My deepest sympathies. What a beautiful man he was. His legacy will continue.