==================================================================== Edward Joseph Farrell ==================================================================== Following is the text of the eulogy given at his funeral, on December 5, 1998 at Saint Mary's Church, Longmeadow, MA. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The game of golf is a great metaphor for Dad's life; his love of the game and the way in which he played it truly symbolizes the way in which he lived his life. Golf, after all, is a gentleman's game. He was at home on the golf course and he was delighted when he could play golf with a member of his family - his brother Lew, or with one of his sons, or nephews. Dad loved to play golf and Dad loved life. When he was younger, Dad showed plenty of potential. He was a good athlete and he had quick reflexes. He was a strong swimmer and a very good diver. Aunt Marion used to say that he looked like he just stepped out of an Arrow Collar ad. It is remarkable that he graduated from NYU, and obtained a law degree from Fordham University during the height of the depression. He learned to work through adversity. He got little financial help, and succeeded through perseverance, hard work, and with the occasional helping hand of his brother John, who lived nearby. He traveled the world, served his country honorably, married, and raised a large family. Dad was a solid, professional man. His integrity and professionalism were evident especially on those occasions when an acquaintance or neighbor would remark that Dad had represented them in an action or assisted in some legal capacity. They always registered surprise that we were unaware of his representation or association. He never discussed business with his family, be it a trivial matter or an important case. He loved his family. When he was just three years old, he leaped from the back porch on roller skates, aiming for the arms of his brother, Dick. He missed, and broke his ankle. That's how he acquired that distinctive gait of his. It didn't matter. He would jump for anyone he loved. His love for his family grew out of their love of him, and that love extended well beyond the boundaries of his immediate family. He loved his aunts and uncles, his nephews and nieces, his in-laws, his cousins and all of their spouses, and all of their children. They were living pieces of his most precious family: his parents, his brothers and sister, Alice. Dad was a good husband and father. He was faithful and devoted to my mother. He was always ready to assist my grandmother, Uncle Frank, or one of Mother's four aunts whenever he was needed. He learned to deal with the infirm and the elderly, and he led us by his example. His primary focus in life was his family. He loved his children, their spouses, every one of his 14 grandchildren, and their spouses. His passing has left a gaping divot in our hearts. You bet your neck. Ed Farrell was a good man; quiet, steady and dependable. He was a man who lived his faith daily. He looked for the "good" in people, and kept his business to himself. He searched quietly for ways in which he could help others and gave freely to those who were in need. He dispensed good advice, and he was a fair counselor. He had a good sense of humor and a quick wit. He was sentimental, but not maudlin. He was sincere and compassionate. Will Rogers often said, "I never met a man I didn't like." In my father's high school yearbook, he listed Will Rogers as a man he most admired and at the end of all the law courses he taught, he would say, "I never met a man who took my course that I didn't like." The truth be known, we never met a man who didn't like my father. He was a kind and honest man, and we were blessed to have been a part of his life. (Text by Robert and Edward J. Farrell, Jr.) --------------------------------------------------------------------