CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Thomas Farrell

Thomas “Tom” Farrell was born and raised in Riverside, NJ. He lived a life filled with resilience, laughter, service, and determination until December 20, 2024 when he passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 79. His friends and family would often joke that “Heaven didn’t want him, and the devil was afraid he’d take over” after he cheated death on several occasions.

He served his country in Vietnam and was a Purple Heart recipient after being wounded in combat; he spent 8 months recovering in a body cast. He went on to become an essential employee of US Pipe and Leak Repair. Life threw him another curveball in 1982 when he sustained severe steam burns on more than 85% of his body in a work accident. During his extended hospital stay, a near death experience would forever change him. He recalled seeing a bright light and his deceased uncle who told him that he couldn’t stay. While the reason was lost to memory, Tom was laughing upon resuscitation. He always joked that his uncle likely told him he had to survive because he was destined to marry a single mom of four young kids, which he did in 1987 when he married the love of his life, Janet. Tom and his daughter joined Janet and her four children, and they went on to have a daughter together.

Despite his adversities, Tom had a mischievous smile, infectious laugh, and knack for story-telling. He embraced his role as a husband and father with all his heart. He showered his children and grandchildren with both love and sarcasm equally, and enjoyed bragging about his family. Family members often playfully competed to be his favorite.

Tom was an accomplished cook though he was quick to allow Janet to take credit if she touched the meal at all. Unbeknownst to many, Tom was a poet at heart, writing poems that varied from sentimental to humorous. In his earlier years, he loved fishing on his boat, playing golf with friends, and throwing horseshoes and darts at Riverside Turners where he was a lifelong member. A Riverside native at his core, he was never without his big cup of Boost, and loved early morning trips to L&M Bakery for doughnuts. He spent lots of time in “his” recliner, remote in hand, watching NCIS or the History channel, often dozing for a while.

Tom dedicated himself to the VFW, where he was a proud 55+ year member of Post 3020. He served as Commander for nine years, as well as many other positions at the Post, District, State, and National levels. He was a distinguished member of the Military Order of the Cootie and an inspiration to many through his unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans and his abundant altruistic deeds.

Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janet; children: Adam Worrell, Amy Lynn Hicks, Monica (Steve) Craig, Ondrea (Scott) Shone, Candace (Michael Duca) Worrell, and Kelly (Bruce) Dowdy; his grandchildren: Zachary, Shauna, Michael, Michella, Skye, Sierra, Jonah, Jaxson, Evan, Marley, Amber, Madeline, Alieza, Riley, and James, and 3 great-grandchildren: Ezra, Indie, and Mars. He is also survived by his sister, Jean (Eddie) Sims, and nephews Michael, John, and Mark.

His mother used to jokingly tell him, “only the good die young, so you have nothing to worry about”, but Tom was certainly a very good man who lived a long inspiring life. A celebration of this life will take place on Saturday, December 28, from noon to 2 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, located at 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside. A service will be held at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to VFW Post 3020 can be sent to 1125 South Fairview Street, Delran, NJ 08075.