Obituary of James F. Farrell

James F. Farrell III passed away on December 30, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 6, 1947 in New York, NY, to the late James F. and Stella (Rigas) Farrell, and was raised in Cresskill, NJ. From 1967-1969, he was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany with the US Army, 3^rd Inf. Division. Upon his return, he pursued a degree in economics at Fordham University and graduated cum laude.

Jim, as he was known to many, was the President and CEO of Farrell International Corporation, a global logistics company in New York. He resided in Old Brookville, NY for many decades and recently moved to Centerport, NY.

Jim spent much of his life in both public and private service to others. He coached his children’s athletic teams at St. Patrick’s Youth League and was an active member of the Fordham University President’s Club, Friends Academy, the Cedar Swamp Historical Society, the Village of Old Brookville Planning Board, and the Huntington Crescent Club where he served on the Board of Governors and was a three-term President. He received many public accolades including “Man of the Year and Outstanding Business Professional” by The Independent Group Home Living Program, one of New York’s foremost non-profit agencies serving the severely developmentally disabled; being selected as the Grand Marshal for the Huntington Ancient Order of Hibernians’ St. Patrick’s Parade; and being honored as “Man of the Year” by The Semantics, a non-profit organization where he served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President.

There was also the silent and purposely unknown side of Jim, the side that quietly shaped the lives of many. He understood the power and importance of education and made possible that opportunity for those who otherwise would not have been able.

His big heart, quick wit, keen intelligence and, above all, love of and devotion to his wife and family, will be forever celebrated, remembered and carried in the hearts of those who were honored to know him.

The beloved patriarch is survived by his devoted wife, Eileen (Kilcommons), his children James IV (Amanda) of New York, NY and Southbury, CT; Kelly (Christopher) Betts of Ladera, CA; Justin (Karina) of White Plains, NY; Shayna (Sean) Rafter of New York, NY; Danielle (Brendan) O’Kane of New York, NY; his eight grandchildren: Anna, Erin, Skylar, Griffen, Gavin (Farrell) and Chris, Rachel and Jacob (Betts); and his three sisters Patricia Farrell Bueb (Joel) of Holmdel, NJ; Mary Farrell Cherif (late Anouar) of Ossining, NY; and Michele Farrell Schwager (Michael) of Colts Neck, NJ; dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins, in-laws and countless friends. Tragically, he was predeceased by his son Ryan (Amy) of Oyster Bay, NY in 2014.

Friends are invited to gather at M.A. Connell Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 2 and for a funeral mass of Catholic burial at The Church of St. Patrick on Wednesday, January 3.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Semantics (http://www.thesemantics.org/main/).