Michael J. Farrell

 Michael Joseph Farrell was born on March 21st , 1937 to Patrick and Margaret(née Kiernan) Farrell in Newtownforbes, County Longford, Ireland. The third of eight children, he spent much of his childhood helping his father cut turf, make hay and tend livestock on the family farm.  Never idle, he worked in the local quarry, building waterworks and helped his father deliver mail.  His mother tragically passed away during the birth of her ninth child, when Michael was 10 years old.  His aunt Bridget moved into the Farrell home and helped raise him and his siblings. She remained a prominent figure of support and nurturance throughout Michael’s early years.   Michael was also very fond of his uncles, Owen and William Kiernan, and spent much of his childhood with them. 

In 1958, at the age of 21, he came to America and took work at a supermarket in New York City.  He worked hard and sent money home to Ireland when he could. He Met Margaret O’Sullivan at the Jaeger house in Manhattan when he spotted her in a beautiful green dress and wedged heels. He asked her to dance and they married four years later. Michael and Margaret returned to Ireland in 1975 and settled in Dublin, where they raised four children together. They spent much of their time at their country house and farm in Fenagh, Leitrim. Michael ran a transportation business taking disabled children to and from school. He was a master gardener, planting a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in the back garden to feed his family. He also maintained a beautiful flower garden in the front of the property,  which would often get compliments from passersby. An avid runner, Michael would often jog up to the Dublin mountains as part of a local running club.

Michael, Margaret and family moved back to the US in 1988 and settled in Valley Stream, Long Island.  He took work at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters local union 608 in New York City. In 1990 his 10-year-old son, Floyd, tragically died in a drowning accident at Jones Beach. This took a heavy toll on the family while they struggled as new immigrants in a new country. 

Through tragedy, Michael emerged steadfast and dedicated to his family. He worked hard to provide for them, and in his spare time made extensive repairs and upgrades to the family home.  A great lover of nature, Michael had a lifelong interest in song birds, and loved to walk in local parks, whether in Valley Stream or the picturesque Caumsett State Park.  He was an avid storyteller with wit and charm, a true seanchai and beacon of wisdom and courage. He enjoyed this grandchildren immensely and was always ready for a bit of fun.

He passed away peacefully in his home on May 14th, 2024, having being cared for by his devoted wife Margaret (O’ Sullivan) Farrell. Predeceased by his son, Floyd, brothers Liam and Christopher Farrell and sister Olivia (O’Connor). Beloved father of Corrina(Parker), Amanda (McLaughlan), Michael and Floyd Farrell. 

Sadly missed by his sons-in-law Kevin McLaughlan, Adrian Parker, daughter-in-law Ulla (Kjarval) Farrell and sisters Mary (Paterson), Margaret (Hughes), Imelda (Donohoe), brother Tommy Farrell, brother-in-law Michael Donohue, grandchildren Saoirse, Fiona, Jack, Sadie Maebh, Una and Karitas, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

Rest in eternal peace.

Livestream Funeral Mass For Michael J. Farrell.

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