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Roger H. Farrell Sr.

June 30, 1928-May 6, 2011

 

Roger H. Farrell passed away peacefully at home in Sonoma surrounded by his family on Friday, May 6, 2011.

Roger was born in San Francisco to Mary Lucille (May) Connell and Richard E. Farrell. He was the youngest of five children. He grew up in the Richmond district - enjoying the "Loop" playground, Lafayette Elementary and Presidio Junior High schools. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1946, where he served as student-body president and was designated an all-City basketball player.

He started USF with a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1950. He became a life-long Dons fan and was an active alum, serving as president of the alumni from 1972-74.

Roger served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and as befitted a man who never met a stranger, they assigned him the duty of traveling with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy to raise both spirits and war bonds.

In 1962, Roger married Mary Lennon and in 1964 they moved to Sonoma. That same year, he founded Farrell Lumber Co. which became Farrell Truss and Lumber Co. He operated this business for more than 30 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48-plus years, Mary; his five children, Molly, Roger Jr. (Hutch), Deirdre, Justin and Joshua (girlfriend, Kirsten Gronfield); and three grandchildren belonging to Hutch and his wife, Keri, Nena, Julia and Jackson.

In Sonoma, Roger served on the St. Francis Solano parish council and the City of Sonoma Planning Commission. In the '70s, he used his USF connection to bring the National Championship Dons soccer team to Sonoma for a series of fundraising games for the Valley of Moon Boys and Girls Club. He coached VOMB&GC basketball well into the '80s. He was always well known to and involved with his children's friends. When the children went to Justin Siena High School, Roger went right with them - serving many years on the Justin Siena High School board of trustees. More recently, he enjoyed his membership in the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society.

Roger was a loving husband, father and friend who was sincerely interested in the lives and interests of everyone he met. He became an uncle at age 8, and was lovingly known as "Uncle Rog" to myriad Farrells, Batmales, Mussallems and their friends. Roger battled kidney cancer for the last five years and truly appreciated the support he received from his family and friends.

A memorial Mass will be said on Friday, May 13, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis Solano church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of San Francisco, FISH, Hospice By The Bay or your own favorite charity.