William Salvatore Festa

William "Bill" Festa returned back to his Heavenly Father on July 7, 2014. He was born on August 27, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts to Carmella Palermo-Festa and Antonio Festa. He was the youngest of five children.

Bill learned the value of work very early in his life. At the age of 6, he would deliver oil to homes, on cold winter mornings, to help support his family. Bill shined shoes at the age of 9, worked on the docks at the age of 13 and by the age of 14 joined his brother in Kentucky to work on a race track; all while sending his earnings home to his family. When the Korean War broke out, Bill and his brother decided to join the Navy. Bill was Honorably discharged in 1953. After Bill was discharged from the Navy, his life took him down many paths of work. Bill attended and graduated from barber/hairstylist school in 1959. He owned and operated several hair salons through the years and also found his niche as a car dealer/salesman. Through his humble and tragic beginnings, Bill became a successful business owner and entrepreneur.

Bill had many talents, hobbies and passions. He played the saxophone, ran marathons, loved to dance and cook, built homes and was a major sports fan. Bill was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His passion for life, hard work and love of family will forever be a part of his legacy.

Bill met his "eternal sweetheart" in 1973 and on July 18, 1974, they began to build their family together. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings and one son, Michael, who passed away at birth. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Chris and their seven children: Desiree Francis (John), Dion Festa (Brandy), Jeff Grant, Daran Festa (Paula), April Scherick (Justin), Tony Festa and Steven Festa (Shawna). Bill was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral service was held Friday, July 11, 2014, at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 306 E. Avenue L, Calimesa, California. Interment followed at San Gorgonio Memorial Park, 2201 N. San Gorgonio Avenue, Banning, California.

Arrangements were entrusted to Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, California.