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Loved ones, strangers pay final respects to CH11 icon and ‘Chiller Theater' host Bill Cardille

PITTSBURGH — Family, friends and even strangers paid their final respects Friday to Channel 11 icon and “Chiller Theater” host Bill Cardille.

From “Chiller Theater” to Channel 11 News to the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, Cardille, known to fans as “Chilly Billy,” came into Pittsburghers’ living rooms for decades. Those who knew him best said the man on air was the same man seen off the air: a genuine and humble man who loved to laugh.

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"Chilly was loved by everybody in the town. He was very genuine. A man (who) I respected highly,” honorary pallbearer Mike Hasch said.

Former Channel 11 News reporter Dee Thompson knew Cardille for 50 years.

“Without a doubt, he's the most iconic person in the business. He was influential. (An) unbelievable man,” Thompson said.

Cardille’s family said they don’t remember seeing him without a smile.

"He loved Pittsburgh. He loved everybody. He was an amazing man, and I hope we can all learn to be a little more like him,” Cardille’s granddaughter, Kate Ashbrook, said.

Cardille

at the age of 87.