Mirabella, William 'Bill' Nicholas

William “Bill” Nicholas Mirabella, 31, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Friends may call from 4to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bill is survived by his son, George Edward Mirabella; his fiancee, Haley Nicole Lynch; his parents, Becky Ann Mirabella and George Anthony Mirabella; his brother, Joseph Harold Mirabella; his grandmother, Palma Mirabella; his aunts, Linda Lindsay and Pam Clemente; his uncle, Joseph Mirabella; and his cousins, James Mirabella, Jenna Clemente, Michael Clemente, Angela Mirabella, Jeff Lindsey-Thorsen and Max Lindsey-Thorsen.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Helen Marie Fuller; his grandfathers, Joseph Mirabella and Harold Fuller; and his uncle, Richard Mirabella.

William “Bill” Nicholas Mirabella was born Sept. 25, 1980, the son of George and Becky Fuller Mirabella at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bill was the founder and CEO of Mirabella Productions a professional sound and lighting production company. He was a professional DJ; and was formerly a radio DJ at Z102.9. He was an ordained minister and performed weddings for friends and family.

Bill went to Kennedy High School and graduated in 1999. He was the class president his freshmen and sophomore year; student body vice president; and student body president; played in the school band; and was a member of Happiness Inc.

He enjoyed racing motorcycles and customizing cars. He was a gifted musician whose music filled the hearts of those who heard him. As an award winning pianist, he knew how to make the ivory sing anything from Chopin to improvisational blues. He even rebuilt a piano that most people assumed was lost - bringing new life to the strings and turning a broken shell into a work of art.

He also enjoyed home renovations, which were an evolution of his creative spirit. He filled his home with his craftsmanship, and his love for his young family, his fiancee, Haley Lynch and two-year-old son, George. He shared his love of cars and trucks with his son who loved and admired him with the brightest smile any father could create.

He planned to marry his love, Haley Lynch on Aug. 4, 2012. He cherished Haley and looked forward to their future together, to seeing their son grow-up and watching their family grow. He was incredibly dedicated to them both and worked hard to provide for them. Haley called him, “My knight in shining armor.”

Bill was also a beloved son and close friend to his dad and mom. He loved to spend time with them and share his dreams and plans for the future. Bill was always giving. He gave his mother laughs through practical jokes and a grin. He gave love and support to her. One of the greatest gifts he ever gave his parents was their grandson, George, who will continue to give them joy.

While Bill was Joe's “little” brother he filled a big space in his brother's life. Bill gave his brother instantaneous, unconditional love exactly when it was needed. They were inseparable as kids, and while they lived far apart as adults, they were close within each other's hearts.

Bill was a fearless daredevil who enjoyed making his friends and family say “slow down!” While, he refused to hear that request, he was a listener. His friends all have one thing in common, Bill was their confidant. He was the one they turned to when they needed to be heard. Bill would listen with kindness, and always knew the right thing to say.

Yes, Bill Mirabella was loved by many. His life ended in fall with leaves falling under gray October skies, but his loved ones can look forward to spring, thanks to Bill's contagious smile that will never leave our minds.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bill's parents for George's future educational expenses.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Bill on the webpage, under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 18, 2011.