Joseph W. Farrell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at his home in Waymart, PA.

He was born on June 12, 1927 to Clement and Isabelle (Carden) Farrell in Carbondale, PA. Raised on the West Side of Carbondale, during the heart of The Great Depression in a strong Irish-Catholic family, he had nothing but fond memories of his childhood with his loving mother and father, five brothers and sister, Peggy. Every Sunday all of the extended family of the Carden's, Walsh's and Farrell's would congregate at his parent's house, the Carden homestead. A lifelong love of the piano started with lessons from his mother. Every Fall Saturday was filled with The Notre Dame Victory March playing from his piano. Joseph bravely left high school early to join the war effort in World War II like his older brothers, Jack and Bobby. Upon return from the Army, he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School.

At age 26, Joseph was elected President of the Carbondale Area School Board, the youngest in Pennsylvania history. Joseph was taught in school that the highest position an Irish Catholic could attain in government was postmaster general. As judge of elections on the Westside of Carbondale, he ensured that every deceased voter and every voter that failed to make it to the polls, voted for John F. Kennedy for President. After high school, he worked for J.J. Newberry, Gillen Coal Company and in the Lackawanna Courts.

As a young man he was taught by his father that, "the only thing you have in this life is your good word and your reputation". He Iived by that advice. He was a man of strong character and principles and was never known to do the wrong thing. He was a perfect example to his sons on what it means to be a good husband and a good father.

Joseph met his beloved wife Susan while water skiing at Elk Lake when he almost ran her over. They spent every summer thereafter at Elk Lake. After marrying Susan and having four sons, the family moved to Somerville, New Jersey as the coal industry was dying out in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Joseph's brother, Jack was the plant manager at Egan Machinery and he hired Joseph, their brother Leo, cousins, in-laws and others from Carbondale. Egans was unfamiliar with art of Northeast Pennsylvania nepotism. Joseph worked 60 hours per week for 32 years at Egans. He was a machinist like his Father. He never complained and never missed work. Every night he returned home, kissed his wife Susan and told her he loved her. His work ethic and love for his wife was an example to his sons. He and Susan worked to ensure that their sons received a Catholic education at Immaculate Conception Grade School and Immaculata High School. He insisted that all of his sons attend college, and they did. He raised good, moral, Irish-Catholic sons.

After retirement Joseph and Susan returned to Elk Lake to be near their sons and their grandchildren. He loved Elk Lake where he played his Irish music and Notre Dame Victory March loudly for all to enjoy.

There are no doctors to thank here. He lived by the words of his father, "If you want to live a long life, stay away from doctors". He lived 95 years without any medications or doctor's advice.

Joseph Farrell is pre-deceased by his dear wife, Susan and their son, Edward, who died as an infant. He was the last of his deceased siblings; Margaret, John, Robert, Thomas, James and Leo. He is survived by his sons, Joseph and wife, Maria and their children, Bryanne and Michael of Vandling, PA, Michael and wife, Jane and their children, Donovan, Courtney and Shawn of Waymart, PA, and Atty. Christopher and wife, Kathleen and their children, Kaitlyn, Kayleigh-Rose, Conor and Colin of Waymart, PA.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. from St. Mary's Church, 242 Carbondale Road, Waymart, PA, celebrated by Rev. Joseph Sitko and Deacon Edward Kelly. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA.

A viewing was held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements by, Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Carbondale, PA.