John Joseph Farley, a man who embraced life’s adventures with open arms and dedicated himself to his family and work, passed away in the early morning of April 21, 2022. He was greeted in Heaven by his beloved wife, Viola, and daughter, Stacy. John Farley’s life was a testament to his spirit of exploration and commitment to making a difference.
Born on September 19, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, to John and Dorothy (Shipley) Farley, John Farley’s early life in the bustling city shaped his ambitious and resourceful nature. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School and Vorhees Technical College, equipping himself with the skills for a successful career. His life took a romantic turn in November 1963 when he met Viola Byers. Their connection was undeniable, leading to their marriage on April 24, 1965.
The couple’s journey began in Brooklyn, but John Farley’s adventurous spirit soon led them to the remote landscapes of King Salmon, Alaska, in 1969. Securing a position as a heating engineer for the Federal Government, John Farley uprooted his young family, including his wife and daughter Lauren Beth, born in 1967. This move showcased the trust Viola placed in John’s vision, embarking on an unexpected Alaskan chapter. Their Alaskan adventure expanded with the arrival of their daughter, Stacy Beth, in 1971 in Dillingham, AK, and later their son, John Ryan, in 1975 in Anchorage, AK, while John Farley worked as an Airport Operations Facilities Manager in Cold Bay, Alaska. The family often reminisced about their time in Cold Bay as a particularly cherished period.
Seeking to be closer to family, John Farley transitioned to a role with the FAA in Connecticut in 1978. However, the suburban life of Connecticut was a stark contrast to their Alaskan experiences, particularly for Viola. John Farley, ever the entrepreneur, envisioned a new path, leading the family to Wilmington, NY, in 1979 to become owners and operators of the North Country Inn. This family venture, while financially challenging, was rich in experience and brought the Farleys closer as they worked side-by-side. Each family member played a role, creating countless humorous memories and strengthening their bond.
The mid-1980s brought a significant challenge when Stacy was diagnosed with cancer. John Farley demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his family by accepting a position with Pan Am Airlines in New York, directing Facilities and Operations at JFK. This move enabled Stacy to receive specialized care at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital. Despite their efforts, Stacy passed away in 1992 at the young age of 20. This profound loss deeply impacted the Farley family, particularly Viola.
In the years that followed, John Farley’s resilience and drive led him to new opportunities. Under contract with the U.S. Department of Defense throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, John Farley took on diverse and impactful roles. His work included overseeing the reconstruction of Turkish infrastructure after a devastating earthquake and designing strategic airbases in Saudi Arabia. These international assignments allowed John and Viola to explore the world, with Ireland, Egypt, and Italy among their favorite destinations. A humorous anecdote from their travels involved John Farley being denied entry to The Vatican for wearing shorts, highlighting his sometimes unconventional approach. His final overseas assignment took him to Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, a contract he unexpectedly cut short to return to Viola in Plattsburgh, NY. The full extent of John Farley’s work in Iraq remained largely unknown to his family until after Viola’s passing in 2016.
Following their global adventures, John and Viola enjoyed traveling the U.S., exploring beautiful beaches and beachfront suites. As their family grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, their home became a central gathering place. Even in his later years, John Farley remained active and engaged, channeling his talents into a meaningful role as an Architectural Barrier Consultant for a disability rights advocacy organization, the North Country Center for Independence. In this capacity, John Farley utilized his expertise to improve accessibility and advocate for inclusivity, leaving a lasting impact on his community. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues and those he served.
John Farley’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life filled with adventure, dedication, and love. While his absence is deeply felt, his surviving children, Lauren (Jeff) LeFebvre and John Ryan (Kristen) Farley, find solace in knowing he is reunited with Viola and Stacy. He is also survived by his grandchildren Veronica (Maxwell) Nason, Autumn LeFebvre (Kyler Hayes), Abbie Farley (Brock Kirk), John (JJ) and Cayden Farley, and great-granddaughters Delilah, Mia, and Brielle Nason. John Farley is also remembered by his sisters Dorothy and Gail Farley, brothers Timothy, Peter, and Richard Farley, cousin Vicky Shipley-Wilson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
John Farley was predeceased by his parents, his older brother Martin Farley, and nephew Sean Farley, as well as his beloved wife Viola and daughter Stacy.
A Funeral Mass to celebrate John Farley’s life will be held at Holy Name Church in Au Sable Forks, NY, on May 4, 2022, followed by burial at Holy Name Cemetery. Friends and family wishing to honor John’s memory are invited to make charitable donations to Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital or the North Country Center for Independence, organizations that held special significance for him. Arrangements are under the care of Zaumetzer Funeral Home, Au Sable Forks, NY.
