Francis X. Farrell

Francis Xavier Farrell died peacefully on May 10th surrounded by his beloved wife and children. Fran was born in 1958 in Pittsfield, MA, to Dr. Joseph and Annemarie Cowhig Farrell, the fifth of nine children. He was a graduate of Taconic High School in Pittsfield and  Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT. Fran moved to New York in 1980 to pursue a career  in publishing, which included roles at Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure, as Publisher of The Sporting News, National Geographic Adventure, and Men’s Journal, and as CEO and President of Turnstile Media Group. Fran believed he found his true vocation as a husband and a father. He provided unrelenting encouragement, love, and adventure for his family. An avid skier, biker, hiker, and accomplished runner, Fran was spontaneous and cherished any chance to get lost. Finding solace and joy in the natural world made him a passionate environmentalist. Fran’s accomplishments and accolades are numerous and impressive. Even more noteworthy is how he managed to leave such a profound positive mark on the world and those in it: Fran’s ability to see and celebrate the best in all people and situations generated an abundance of joy he delighted in sharing with others, even in difficult times. In 2012, Fran was diagnosed with ALS. From the start, he was adamant that while the illness may shorten his life, it would not define it. As his body weakened, his inquisitive mind, his faith, and his commitment to gratitude did not. An eye gaze-controlled tablet allowed him to read, play several chess games simultaneously, meditate on his daily devotionals, and communicate with family and friends. He continued to ski, bike, hike, and run vicariously through his loved ones, and to remind his 27 nieces and nephews: “Don’t let anyone have more fun than you.” His practice of gratitude gave Fran a knack for finding the perfect words of affirmation at the perfect time. It helped him provide the exact guidance you were looking for, or a quirky and thoughtful gift you didn’t know you needed. Gratitude made it such that the twinkle in his eye and his sense of curiosity and mischief never dimmed. Even in his final years, he marked the first snowfall of each winter with a barefoot walk in the fresh snow. His favorite saying was “who’s got it better than us?” Fran looked for and found beauty and joy everywhere, and he inspired anyone he met to join him. Fran is survived by his wife of 38 years, Denise, and children Timothy (Annamaria Barbuti), John Cowhig “Jack”, Anna (Dominic Green), Claire (CJ Laiacona), and Grace; his siblings (whom he considered to be his best friends) Joe, Mary, Anne, Kate, Tom, John, Margaret and Jane and their families; Denise’s family, which he loved as his own, including her mother Lorraine Sabert, her siblings Nancy, Jackie, and George and their families; Aunt Adelene Quigley; six cousins; and six beloved godchildren. Fran is predeceased by his parents, upon whom he doted, and his beloved father-in-law George Sabert. Calling hours will be 4-7 PM Thursday, May 19th, at the pavilion in Croton Point Park. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at New Saint Patrick’s Church in Yorktown Heights on Friday, May 20th, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bridging Voice, Compassionate Care ALS, or 88 Bikes.  Please click on the links below for more information. <div class="annotationLayer"> <section class="linkAnnotation" style="transform: matrix(1.66667, 0, 0, 1.66667, 0, 0); transform-origin: -359.804px -101.093px 0px; left: 359.804px; top: 101.093px; width: 119.76px; height: 12.6489px;" data-annotation-id="9R"></section> <section class="linkAnnotation" style="transform: matrix(1.66667, 0, 0, 1.66667, 0, 0); transform-origin: -205.801px -115.639px 0px; left: 205.801px; top: 115.639px; width: 80.0315px; height: 12.6489px;" data-annotation-id="10R"></section> <section class="linkAnnotation" style="transform: matrix(1.66667, 0, 0, 1.66667, 0, 0); transform-origin: -365.869px -115.639px 0px; left: 365.869px; top: 115.639px; width: 119.137px; height: 12.6489px;" data-annotation-id="11R"><a title="https://www.88bikes.org/" href="https://www.88bikes.org/" target="" rel="nofollow"> </a></section> </div> Yorktown Heights, New York

May 10, 2022

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Francis X. Farrell

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Luke Fain & Bridget Mulkerin

May 18, 2022

We love trees we love Farrells! Sending all our love

3 trees were planted in memory of

Francis X. Farrell

Cali Guys

May 13, 2022

With love and sympathy,

3 trees were planted in memory of

Francis X. Farrell

May 21, 2022

Fran made everyone around him feel special. That’s because, to Fran, everyone was special. Little did he know he’d make so many people around him feel like they misunderstood the world when he, of all people, got the short straw. It has taken me 10+ years to realize that... Continue Reading

rickgingras@gmail.com

May 18, 2022

A candle was posted for Francis X. Farrell.

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rickgingras@gmail.com

May 18, 2022

The Beaudreault Family

May 16, 2022

Dearest Denise and family, Our deepest condolences to you all with love and prayers of strength. May the memories you have stay strong in your mind and in your heart forever. Our sincerest sympathy. With love, Rick, Adriana, Christopher, Daniel, Andrew and Brian Beaudrea... Continue Reading

Jane and Charlie Luceno

May 16, 2022

Extreme grace, whether Fran was crushing you on the paddleball court or Cross country skiing at night with no arms. Fran always was the ultimate athlete, who you never minded losing to because being in his presence was all that mattered. Thanks for teaching us all how ... Continue Reading

Emily Bass

May 15, 2022

I’m soo grateful to have grown up as a sort of little sister to Fran. He always made there sleep over magical with his tricks and games. I’m grateful for having seen him more recently as well. His ALS was clearly not squashing his spirit. Such a beautiful soul. I will m... Continue Reading

A candle was posted for Francis X. Farrell.

Isaac Babcock

May 15, 2022

I’ll never forget the sheer joy that came out of him when I told him that my girlfriend, Jenny, and I were engaged. He rushed up to hug me. He was such a loving guy. He was a natural, magnetic leader who really cared about people. He believed in people and believed in t... Continue Reading

Judy Balph

May 14, 2022

Dear Denise and family, My heart goes out to all of you at the death of dear Fran. He put up a good fight and will be sorely missed. I'll never forget going to your wedding. It was the beginning of a wonderful marriage. With love to all, Judy Balph

Tina Madkour

May 14, 2022

My brother Mark and I were students at St. Michael’s College with Fran. He was an all-around great guy and a good friend. May God bless his family at this sad time.

Lisa Frankenberger

May 13, 2022

My condolences to the Farrell family. Fran and denise were my married idols, their devotion to each other was a beautiful thing to observe.

Cali Guys

May 13, 2022

Sending all our love,

Bright Memories was purchased for the family of Francis X. Farrell.

A tree was also planted in memory of Francis X. Farrell.

Francis X. Farrell

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