William F. (Bill) Farrell

William (“Bill”) F. Farrell, a kind, humble, sensitive man, passed away on October 4, 2024, at the age of 93.  Bill was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in the spring of 2024, and he died at Cayuga Medical Center where he was on palliative care.  His passing was peaceful and exactly as he would have wished.

Bill was born in Massena, New York on December 7, 1930, and, after several family moves, came to Ithaca with his parents, Jim and Marion Farrell, and his brothers and sisters. When only 17 years old, Bill enlisted in the US Army, and, just as he was to be discharged, the Korean War broke out. He was shipped to Korea where he served with the 3rd Infantry, 10th Combat Engineers, all brave souls who suffered through the harshest conditions.  Bill was honorably discharged in 1951, having received the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal, and 3 Bronze Service Stars.

After his discharge from the Army, Bill returned home to Ithaca where he started a long career as a home builder, landlord, and occasional farmer.  If one asked Bill what he did for a living, he would reply, “I’m a carpenter”, but he was so much more. He literally could fix anything (well, maybe not electrical fixtures), and you could always find him working on something, whether it was on his home, or his farm equipment (which required a lot of fixing!), or his antique cars.  He was the first one friends, family and neighbors called when they needed something repaired, or just for advice. As a child of the depression, he was frugal with himself but generous with family and friends. In what little spare time he had, Bill enjoyed playing golf at Hillendale Golf Course, dining out with friends (especially at his favorite pizza restaurant, Metro’s), playing cards (always being admonished not to trump his partner’s ace), board games, working on jigsaw puzzles (an addiction started during Covid!), and reading. He especially enjoyed Americana poetry and could recite from heart both “Barbara Fritchie” and “Old Ironsides.” Bill was an active member of the Ithaca Old Car Enthusiasts and was known as the “Donut Man” at their meetings. He also was an inaugural member of Island Health and Fitness where he exercised three times a week until his recent illness prevented him from doing this activity that he loved so much.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Bob Farrell, John Farrell, and Norma Wood.  He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Cheri; his children, Mike Farrell, Vicki Farrell, Kevin Farrell (Ellen), and Chris Farrell; by his grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Laura, Tim, James, Sean, Christopher, and Julian, as well as great grandchildren. He also is survived by his siblings, Betty Farrell, Walt Farrell, Jim Farrell, and Marylou Hardesty, along with many nieces and nephews. Finally, he is survived by his longtime friends, Pat and Judy Caveney, who have been his and Cheri’s guardian angels, as well as his more recent friend, Raymond Maratea, a gym buddy whose coffee times with Bill were a highlight of his week.

A special thanks is extended to the Tompkins County EMS, the Danby Fire Department, Bangs Ambulance, and all of the staff in the Emergency Room and on the 4th Floor at Cayuga Medical Center who showed such kindness and compassion during Bill’s last days.

Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements. It was Bill’s wish that there be no calling hours or service at this time. He always felt that his 80th birthday party, where his family and friends gathered to celebrate him, was the best celebration of life one could have. However, he did want a military recognition, and that will be held at his gravesite in South Hill Cemetery (weather permitting), followed by a luncheon at The American Legion, on Bill’s birthday, December 7, which also is Pearl Harbor Day, a most fitting day to honor this proud veteran. Friends and family will be invited to attend. Online condolences at www.bangsfuneralhome.com