Engelbert Humperdinck wants to see "friendly faces" at wife's funeral

2 August 2021, 11:29 | Updated: 25 September 2023, 12:58

Engelbert Humperdinck at the Royal Albert Hall. Picture: Getty

By Mayer Nissim

The singer's wife Patricia died in February after contracting COVID-19.

Engelbert Humperdinck has said that he wants to see "friendly faces" at the funeral for his wife tomorrow (Tuesday, August 3).

Patricia died in February after contracting COVID-19.

Although her funeral will be a private affair, Humperdinck said in a YouTube video that he'd like to see fans paying their respects along her final journey from Market Harborough to the chapel in Loughborough, via the family home in Great Glen.

Patricia's Final Journey (Tuesday Museday 119) - Engelbert Humperdinck

Read more: Engelbert Humperdinck to perform a rare virtual concert online

"We have kept the service plans close to our hearts and private due to the changing challenges of COVID safety," Engelbert said.

"But Patricia was a proud Leicester lady, salt of the earth, and very-much loved from Queniborough where she was born, to Leicester, to Great Glen, our home here."

He added: "It would be lovely to see friendly faces along the way, especially in Great Glen, and we'll respectfully slow down in Queniborough.

"A prayer or a tip-of-the-hat or a wave would be so wonderful, it really would be wonderful.

Engelbert Humperdinck and his wife Patricia. Picture: Getty

"It doesn't matter where you are in the world, please just say a prayer for my beautiful and wonderful wife, my darling Patricia. And just remember, I love you."

Engelbert, born Arnold Dorsey, and Patricia got married in 1964 after they met at a nightclub in Leicester.

"Our family is heartbroken over the loss of my darling wife," he said on her passing.

"Last night , she slipped softly away, as if by Gods clockwork.

Engelbert Humperdinck - Release Me [Old Video Edit] 1967

"Her earthly limitations no longer hold her down as she is freely running the glorious gardens of Heaven reunited with so many loved ones.

"We prayed as a family, blessed her with the water from Lourdes and off she went... ushered into the arms of Jesus with help from the generous heart filled prayers from all around the world."

The couple had four children together, Louise, Jason, Brad and Scott.

Humperdinck's music career dates back to the 1950s, with 'The Last Waltz' and 'Release Me' both reaching number one in the UK charts in 1967, the latter keeping The Beatles double A-side 'Penny Lane'/'Strawberry Fields Forever' off the top.