Donald Robert Farrell

Donald Robert Farrell passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 18, 1955, in Queens, New York, Don was the fifth of eight children born to James A. Farrell, Jr. and Joan Tager Farrell. 

 The family moved to Rockville Centre, New York in 1963, where Don attended St. Agnes Cathedral School and Southside High School. 

 Don’s wife, Susan Pearsall Farrell, was also a Rockville Centre native, and they were married there in 1986. In 1995, they moved their young family to Powhatan, VA, where they put down roots in the community and built a life together with their three daughters, Meghan, Emily and Jessica. Their daughters gifted Don and Sue with five precious grandchildren: Brayden, Aubrey, Peyton, Ryleigh, and Sadie. 

 Don’s life was filled with accomplishments, both personal and professional, but his most cherished roles by far were those of Dad and “Grampy.” Along with his daughters, his grandchildren brought him great pride and joy, and he was so loving and caring of each of them, and was adored and beloved by them all.

 Don was a valued member of the Powhatan community. To his many friends, his church community and his work colleagues, he was like a family member. Don loved his church, Providence Presbyterian, and was a dedicated member and Elder. He volunteered regularly at school events, and many will remember him as the “tug of war guy” at Powhatan Elementary School. Don never met a stranger. He was truly a unique individual with a larger-than-life personality, with his own style and distinct sense of humor, as everyone who ever heard his Elvis impressions or his commentaries on life and the world can attest. 

 Above all, Don was always thinking of and doing for others. Don lived life to the fullest, gave it his all, and packed a lot of living and love into his 69 years. We all are better for having had Don in our lives. He brought us love, laughter, fun and joy, and in our loss, we comfort each other with wonderful memories of better days, and the knowledge he is at peace and his suffering has ended. 

 Don is survived by his wife, Sue, daughters Meghan, Emily and Jessica and grandchildren: Brayden, Aubrey, Peyton, Ryleigh, and Sadie. Don is also survived by his siblings: Barbara, Dennis (Patricia), Nancy (Stephen) Rice, John, Ruth (Bill) Breidenbach, Christopher (Sarah) and Kerry. He also, was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Susan Murtha (2020) and James (1994). 

 Visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4 to 7 at Bennett and Barden Funeral Home 3215 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, VA 23139. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11 AM at Providence Presbyterian Church, 1950 Ridge Road, Powhatan, VA 23139. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Don to Providence Presbyterian Church.