Perry Como Laid to Rest in Florida

May 18, 2001 -- Funeral services were conducted today for Perry Como, the mellow crooner who started out serenading customers in a barber shop and soared to fame in a career that stretched from the swinging '30s to the 1980s.

Como died in his sleep last Saturday at his home in Jupiter Inlet Beach Colony, Fla., at age 88.

Embarking on a career as a professional entertainer at 21, the man born Pierino Roland Como in Canonsburg, Penn., sold more than 50 million records with hits like "Till the End of Time," "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes," and "It's Impossible."

Though he performed in a few Hollywood musicals, his relaxed style worked best on television, where he cemented his fame on the long-running Perry Como Show. About 250 mourners attended services today at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Palm Beach, a wealthy ocean-side enclave about 15 miles from Como's home.

Two dozen fans gathered outside the church. Reporters and photographers were not allowed inside.

Como was buried afterwards at an undisclosed location.

At a wake at the same church on Thursday, about 200 mourners listened as Como's recorded voice filled St. Edward's, some wiping tears from their eyes.

"When you think of Perry Como, you think of love, beauty, tolerance, patience. He was a very humble man; confident, but humble," singer Vic Damone said.

Reuters contributed to this report.