Obituary of Raymond J. Farrell

Raymond J. (Ray) Farrell, 89, passed away on May 25, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Carole for 62 years and the father of Raymond Jr, David, Dennis, Michael and Andrew.

Ray was born in the Bronx on July 6, 1932, the son of John R. and Elizabeth (Schweitzer) Farrell, He attended Mount St. Michael High School and after graduating, served in the Army from 1952-54. He joined the FDNY in 1957 and was stationed at Engine 93 Ladder 45 in upper Manhattan, just around the corner from the apartment of a lovely young woman named Carole who would soon catch his eye on her daily walks past the firehouse. They were married in 1960.

The couple moved to Garnerville in 1966 where they raised their family. Ray was an active Parishioner in St. Gregory Barbarigo Church and was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 581, the Haverstraw Elks Club No. 877 and the American Legion Post

1682. He retired from FDNY in 1991 and volunteered his time with many organizations including The American Cancer Society and Right to Life.

Ray was lucky to enjoy lifelong friendships from childhood, firehouse and church — some spanning close to 80 years. He enjoyed his bimonthly breakfasts with his ROMEO club (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by sons David and Dennis, sisters Sr. Rita Farrell, OP, Georgia Farrell and Joan O’Hagan.

Ray is survived by his rock — his loving wife Carole, devoted sons Ray (Eileen) Mike (Marta), Andrew, daughter-in-law Lori; grandchildren Amy (Michael) Quinn, Dennis, Suzanne, Betsy, Kathleen, Kelsey, Colleen, Todd (Emily) Sutherland, Michael Sutherland; great-grandchildren Declan, Brigid and Garrett, Ava and Cameron. He is also survived by his brother John, sisters-in-law Helen (Ed) Murray, Madeline Quinn and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UFA Widows’ and Children’s Fund online at https://ufanyc.org, or mail to UFA Widows’ and Children’s Fund, Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 E 23rd St., NY, NY 10010 and the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, online at https://sparkill.org or mail to Sister Mary Murray, President, Dominican Convent, 175 Route 340 Sparkill, NY 10976

The family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, May 30, from 2 - 6 pm at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home, 71 N. Central Highway, Garnerville, NY.  Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church, 21 Cinder Road, Garnerville, NY. Service will be streamed on their Facebook page https://stgregorybarbarigo.org and click on the Facebook logo in upper right corner. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Congers, NY.