Richard J. Farrell, Sr.

                             “We must admit there will be music despite everything.” - Jack Gilbert

Richard “Dickie” Farrell passed away on January 23, 2025, at the age of 78. A beloved father, loyal friend, and doting grandfather, Rich was a man who lived life on his own terms.

Born in Leicester, MA in 1946, to Mary and Martin Farrell, Rich was the youngest of three and was preceded in death by his brother Jim and sister Jean. He leaves behind his son, Richard Farrell and his children, Thomas and Margaret (along with their mother, Maureen). He also leaves his daughter Jennifer (Farrell) Engebretson and her husband, Christopher Engebretson and their children John and Cydney. 

Rich grew up in Leicester, and graduated from St. Peter Marian, where he was a three-sport athlete and an outstanding baseball player. He joined the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. After graduating from Becker College, he worked at a bank, as a repo-man, and finally found a home as a sales-rep with Ford Motor Company.

In 1968, he married M. Dianne (Tisdell) Driscoll, with whom he raised their two children. For twenty-two years, the Farrells lived in the Tatnuck area of Worcester, where Rich coached little league, became known as “Buddy” to the neighborhood children, and hosted legendary backyard summer barbecues. 

Though he complained often of the corporate life, he loved his road job, traversing the highways and byways of every state in New England.

An athlete throughout his life, Rich—affectionately nicknamed “Monk”—ran a Sunday basketball league at Leicester High School for over three decades and continued to play well into his fifties. He was also an avid golfer, softball player, and fast-pitch baseball competitor, long after most of his peers had hung up their cleats.

In 1995, Rich married Rose Kafka, and they lived in Westboro, MA. Retiring from Ford after a thirty-year career, he took on a part time job as a driver for Knight’s Limos, where he was known as “Captain Panic” due to his dire predictions involving Boston sports teams. 

In retirement, Rich traveled to Spain, Austria, Jamaica, and anywhere his grandchildren lived. A movie buff, record collector, and lobster connoisseur, he was known for his sharp humor, truth-telling, and unwavering Irish stubbornness—all of which masked a soft and generous heart. As a father, Rich was loving, playful, and deeply respected. As a grandfather, he was adored for his irreverent humor, silly jokes, and endless crowd-pleasing snacks. His life was filled with family, friends, laughter, and love. He lived fully and on his own terms, right up until the end.

Rich will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of his life will be planned when the warm weather returns to Massachusetts, which is the only way he would want it.