Obituary of John Farrell

John Commerford Farrell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Commerford Farrell of Essex Fells, New Jersey. John, beloved husband of Kate, whom he married in 1976; devoted father of six children, Jack, Mary Kate, Marguerite, Liam, Breada, and Patrick; “Pops” and grandfather to Eileen, Liam, Maggie, Fin, Annie, and Kit; and father in law to Cristen Farrell, Brandon Gonzales, Brian Solski, and Christian Jewett, was by all accounts, the embodiment of the true meaning of “patriarch” to an amazing, loving, and cherished family. John, an extremely proud second generation Irish American, was born on April 18, 1949 and left us peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on October 12, 2024. He graduated from the Queen of Peace School in North Arlington, NJ in 1967 and then attended and graduated from the College of Santa Fe in 1971. Born with the desire of giving back to his community, John spent his rewarding career as an educator teaching physical education at Garfield Elementary School in Kearny, NJ for 40 years. Loved by his students and faculty alike, John brought his commitment to education and love of his calling to all.

John was a man of unwavering faith and integrity, who dedicated his life to serving others. He was a very talented and devoted bagpiper with the South Park and District Pipe & Drum Band, and was a much relied upon bagpiper playing, without reservation, at any and all happy or very solemn events in his beloved town. His love of sport took him to accomplishments of completing three marathons (two of which were the NYC marathon), triathlons, and coaching both professionally (Track at Kearny High School) and in his community with his kids, the town’s kids, and even his grandkids in numerous sports. In his later years, he loved fishing with his grandchildren. Always with a desire to put others first and give back to his community, in his last years, he became a beloved crossing guard for the kids in Essex Fells.

John was a devout Catholic, finding solace and strength in his faith, and lived his life in the service of others. John always answered the call of those in need. He gallantly and bravely fought fires as a volunteer fireman and driver of the rigs for over 37 years, never seeking fanfare or fuss, a true gentle man. The town of Essex Fells is a better place because John Farrell was there.

John led by example and believed in “deeds, not words,” and firmly believed that family, friends, and community come first. To have John as a friend was to have John as a friend for life. John’s smile, wit, laugh, and sparkle in his eyes will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

A memorial service for John Farrell will be held at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 28 Livingston Avenue, Roseland NJ on November 2, 2024 at 11am.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611. (https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org)