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John G. Farrell
Class of 1991
The
following is a remembrance of
John Farrell '91 written by his
family.
 How
do you measure a life in 250 words? We remember John as a loving son
to Marie and Jim; a great brother to Margaret, Jim and Kevin; a wonderful
brother-in-law to Robert Paxton and Christine; a caring and
compassionate
grandchild to Grandpa and "Peg"; a fun-loving cousin and nephew.
We remember him as Uncle John-all entertainment but no diapers. We remember
him as a generous and loyal friend. We remember John growing up in Rockaway-the
beach, the basketball hoop, "the cousins" and tons of fun.
Four great years at Xavier taught John how to commute into "the
city" and even "speak" Latin. We can still see him jumping
into a car to go to Worcester, Mass., as an undergraduate
at Holy Cross. He made great friends along the way and celebrated with
his fellow Crusaders
this past May at their 10-year reunion.
Shortly after college, John moved to Manhattan and secured a position
with Cantor Fitzgerald. He began as an assistant trader in the government
bonds division. In time, John's honesty, diligence, and work with clients
were rewarded, and he became a vice president and partner. John never
self-identified with his job, but always took great pride in his co-workers,
especially those who shared his keen sense of justice. We remember the
great friends John made at Cantor and the hysterical tales he would regale.
We remember him playing golf, his "thirst," the workout contests,
the Mets, the Red Storm, the Shore, the bets, and being "on the
desk." When we think about his last morning, we especially remember
Mike Andrews, Teddy Brennan, Tommy Cahill and too many others
whose vibrant lives were wrenched from us.
John was a gift to us all, and we will always remember his ready smile,
quick wit, and generous nature. He loved life, and we are heartbroken
that his ended so soon and so suddenly. The adventures were numerous.
The laughter was immeasurable. The void is unspeakable.
* * *
The following is a letter from the family of John
Farrell to the Holy Cross community.
In the summer of 1977, our entire family rented cottages
in Gilmanton, N.H. John's sister and brother, his grandparents, two uncles
and aunts, and eight cousins spent a great week in Crystal Springs. On
the return home, we stopped at a Howard Johnson's restaurant in Worcester,
Mass. It was late August and the Holy Cross football team was practicing.
John was totally captivated by the stadium, the team and the College
of the Holy Cross.
Throughout his grammar school years, John often spoke about "going
to Holy Cross," although no one he knew attended the school. As
his older sister and brother left to go to their respective colleges,
John accompanied them to both William and Mary and Duke, but held onto
his "dream college"-Holy Cross.
Finally, in his junior year at Xavier High School in New
York, John approached his guidance counselor, Fr. James McGowan, and
inquired about Holy Cross. John told Fr. McGowan he was "familiar" with
the school and really felt this was where he wanted to go. Upon further
discussion, Father convinced John to see if Holy Cross was exactly as
John remembered it nine years before. John agreed that the school appeared
smaller than he recalled, but nonetheless, it measured up to his expectations.
When John received his letter of acceptance in early 1987,
he was convinced that a wonderful life awaited him at "The Cross." How
right he was!
The years John spent at Holy Cross were rich in learning,
laughter and friendship. John always said, "I would never trade
my years at Holy Cross for anything," and often thanked us for the
opportunity to attend his dream school.
The goodness we have experienced from so many at Holy Cross
since the tragedy of Sept. 11 cannot be ex-pressed in words. Many of
the messages on John's answering machine that day were from college friends
telling him to "call when you get a chance," and "I'm
thinking of you and hope you're OK." The outpouring of love at John's
memorial Mass was unbelievable. Many from Holy Cross traveled a great
distance, and you supported us by your presence and prayers. In the weeks
since, we have received wonderful, caring letters and photos, great stories
and as many laughs as tears. Your goodness to us has made us aware that
God is present in our suffering. The strength and hope you have given
us cannot be adequately expressed in a simple "thank you."
How fortunate John was to attend his dream school and how
blessed we have been by your care and concern for John and for us. John's
last words that day are the ones we'll pass on to you: "Remember
I love you guys."
Keep John in your memory when you recall your college
years.
I met John Farrell during the first semester of our freshman
year, shortly before he moved in next door to Jim Finn and
me in Carlin Hall. John shared a room with Billy Dunn and,
the following year, with Reed Kleinle. Fin and I and the
rest of the "Carlin Boys" became fast friends with
John, who was a big, friendly, loveable guy with a warm smile.
We had many good times at Holy Cross, from performing our
annual winter run in the Quad to having a few beers in good
cheer at Fitton Field football games. We loved our years
at Holy Cross, living in the Carlin suites and, later, off-campus
with Chris Ducar on Crompton Street. We all made lasting
friendships at the College, and I know my life was blessed
by having such a great friend as John. We miss him dearly
and extend our thoughts and prayers to his parents, Marie
and James, as well as his siblings, Margaret, Jimmy and Kevin.
Holy Cross, thanks for the beautiful memories of my friend,
John Farrell.
Timothy J. O'Connor, M.D., '91
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