Fred Ball, the brother of Lucille Ball has passed away Monday, February 5th at the age of 91. He died in his home at Cottonwood, Arizona where he and his wife, Zo operated a motel.Fred Ball was born July 17, 1915 in Jamestown, New York. The younger brother of Lucille Ball moved from Jamestown to California after Lucy went there to start her Movie career in 1933-34. He worked as a band manager with Desi Arnaz and his band as well as with Desilu Productions, the studio that Desi and Lucy purchased in 1951.
Fred Ball is survived by his 4 children, Pamela Ball Von Pinnon, Melissa LeBritton, April Jackson, and Geoffrey Ball as well as 7 grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as Lucille Ball's children, Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Lucie Arnaz.
From her home in New York City, Lucie Arnaz said, "It was always special to us that Uncle Fred and I shared the same birthday. In addition to being my mother’s brother, he was also a close friend of my father. I like to think that they are all enjoying a wonderful reunion right now."His ashes will be interred in Jamestown's Lake View Cemetery along with his sister, Lucille Ball and his parents, Henry and Desiree (Hunt) Ball, and his grandparents and other family members.
(A year too late but...)
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm both amazed and sad. I remember seeing him on a documentary for his sister's show, so I had no idea that he had lived so long. I'm glad to see though that he can finally join his sister, friends, and family.
He lived a long time i sure they all were still living today from lucy to bob hope they all funny
ReplyDeleteFive years late-in the late 80's, I stayed at the Hilltop Motel in Cottonwood, AZ, that Fred and his wife owned. I had tickets for the VERDE CANYON SCENIC RR (one of the great train rides in America). I met Fred Ball, he checked me out when I left. You could tell he was Lucy's brother.
ReplyDeletewow, what a long life he lived. The article doesn't mention how long he was married.
ReplyDeleteMore than 11 years late, I never knew Lucille had a brother who lived such a long life. May they all RIP.
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