Newark's George Farrell dies at 88

Dr. Edward Diamond, a member of the selection committee in 1971 charged with the task of naming a Newark Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, remarked: 'Newark is blessed to have so many good people from all walks of life who give unselfishly and without reserve of their time, and talents, to keep Newark a good place to live.'

Many of the people that Dr. Diamond described were in attendance at that meeting, but Dr. Diamond looked straight at George Farrell, saying 'Your goodness is not advertised, but cannot be concealed.'

George Farrell understood the importance of perseverance, virtue of patience, power of kindness, obligation of duty, worth of good character, and he'd never say or do anything to offend anyone.

George Farrell, 88, local businessman and community leader, died Sunday (Aug. 29, 2004) at the Clifton Springs Hospital. There will be no prior calling hours. Funeral services for George will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 2) at the First United Methodist Church, 303 South Main Street, Newark, with the Rev. Dr. Elton Smith, Jr. and Rev. Gilbert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in East Newark Cemetery. Memorials in George's name may be made to Rotary Foundation Polio Plus, at Newark Rotary Club, PO Box 374, Newark, or the Newark-Arcadia Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 680, Newark or the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 189, Newark, New York 14513.

Mr. Farrell was born in the Town of Palmyra on August 19, 1916, the son of Edward and Luella Corlett Farrell. Growing up on the family farm, he attended the one room school in East Palmyra and graduated from Newark High School where he participated on the basketball and football teams. After high school, he worked at a local grocery store and began running its Esso Gas Station in 1939 becoming the owner soon afterwards. He sold his ExxonMobil Service Station in 1988. George continued working at the station, greeting the many customers and friends he had made over the years, until declining health forced him into retirement in 2002.

George was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for over 67 years, acting as the chairman of the board of trustee for many years, serving on numerous other committees of the Church. In local government, he was elected to the Village Board in 1951 serving four years. In 1965, he was again elected to the Village Board serving until 1973. As a member of the Village Board, he acted as deputy mayor and fire commissioner. For many years, he was the Chairman of the Arcadia Republican Party. He was named an 'honorary member' of the Newark Police Department, the Hook and Ladder Department and Newark Volunteer Fire Department, having been cited as 'Fireman of the Year.'

George was an active member of the Newark Rotary Club for 34 years. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986, the highest award of the Rotary Club. In 2004, for tireless work as a Rotarian, the 3000-plus membership of the Rotary District #7120 honored George as the Outstanding Rotarian of the Year. The Newark Chamber of Commerce also honored George in 1971, as Newark Citizen of the Year. In 1998, the Newark Grange named George its Community Citizen of the Year. Both of these awards were given in recognition of the many hours of service he gave so freely to the community. He was an active member of the Newark Chamber of Commerce. George also served on the Board of Directors of the Newark-Arcadia Volunteer Ambulance.

George's hobbies include gardening and photography. He had belonged to a local camera club.

George is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lettie Taylor Farrell, three daughters Patricia (Don) McLaren of Houston, Texas, Joan (Frank) McArdle of New York City, and Anne Farrell of Newark, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Wallace, two sisters Muriel Wirth and Dorothy Greule.

The Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home is serving the family.

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