William Borrelli, 87 of Salem died peacefully at 9:50 AM Wednesday, January 2, 2012 in his home with his family at his side. He was born on March 4, 1925 in Salem and was the son of the late John and Mary (Natalle) Borrelli of New Castle, PA, he has three sisters; Philomena, Victoria and Alda and a brother Tony all of Salem. Bill was a 1943 graduate of Salem High School. For many years Bill rebuilt carburetors for customers all across the nation. He was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records on November 21, 2008 for being the person “residing in a wheelchair the longest”. He was run over by a bus behind his mother’s tavern when he was 7 years old. He spent almost the next year in and out of the Cleveland Clinic but never regained the use of his legs. It never stopped him or even slowed him down. He spent years as a mechanic in the Stock Car Circuit that is now known as NASCAR. You could also often find him doing many projects such as remodeling his home, digging a ditch for a new water line, up under the hood of a car or just about anything else. Recently you could see him tooling around town in his wheelchair talking to his many friends. Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years Betty (Marroulis), two sons Rex Borrelli, Eric (Patti) Borrelli, two daughters Dena (Glenn) Peison and Lisa (Bud) Regal all of Salem. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren Glenn Jr. and Leia Pieson, Bill and Mallory Borrelli and Marra McFarland and two great grandchildren Isaac and Amora. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2012 at the CIO Union Hall on Prospect Ave. in Salem from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A Private Graveside Service will be held for immediate family members only at Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s Memory to Hospice of the Valley 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44512 or a Mass given in his name at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Salem. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.brownfhonline.com. Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home in Salem (330) 337-6363.
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