Monsignor Terence

Joseph Farrelly

Rockledge, FL

Monsignor Terence Joseph Farrelly died peacefully in his home in Rockledge on April 29, 2014. He was 90 years old. Monsignor Farrelly was born on Feb. 10, 1924 in Kingscourt, County Cavan, Ireland. He is predeceased by his father, Michael, and mother, Catherine, née Reilly.

Monsignor Farrelly was ordained by Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, then the bishop of St. Augustine, on May 18, 1950. He was president of Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville and served at several parishes, including St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg and St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Orlando, before being named administrator and then pastor of St. James Catholic Church (now St. James Cathedral) in Orlando in 1957. During his 15-year tenure at the parish, the Diocese of Orlando was formed on June 18, 1968.

Throughout the years, Monsignor Farrelly also served as diocesan director of hospitals; diocesan consultor; dean of clergy; diocesan chaplain for the Knights of Columbus; and director of Catholic Charities. In 1965, Pope John Paul VI named him a papal chamberlain and conferred upon him the title of monsignor for his distinguished service.

In 1972, Monsignor Farrelly was appointed pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church where he ministered to the people of God for 21 years until his retirement in 1993. In the years that followed, Monsignor Farrelly continued to serve the people of St. Mary, assisting when needed.

Monsignor Farrelly will be remembered as a kindly priest with a deep love of teaching the Catholic faith to all the people.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, from noon - 6 p.m. at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, 5400 Village Drive, Viera with a prayer service concluding the Visitation at 5 p.m. A viewing will be held on May 6, 9-10 a.m. at St. James Cathedral, 215 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Bishop John Noonan will celebrate a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Cathedral with a reception immediately following in the parish hall, adjacent to the Cathedral. The interment will take place at San Pedro Center, 2400 Dike Road in Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Priests' Retirement Fund, c/o The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, P.O. Box 4905, Orlando, FL 32802.

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Published by FloridaToday from May 3 to May 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Terence Farrelly

11 Entries

Patricia Branham

April 27, 2024

It is with great pleasure that I once again reminisce about a wonderful priest, Father Farrelly, who departed as Monsignor Farrelly, well earned. But from the young teen who joined St. James in 1958, to this day, I still attend Mass every Sunday, and I still think of him when I enter the church. He was and still is the essence of St. James. Anyone who knew him will tell you this. Maybe my own Irish roots help keep him alive. St. James would not be the church it is today without Monsignor Farrelly. I was Blessed to have known him.

Michael Miller

July 8, 2014

I remember Father Farrelly as a genuine and enlightening Father and person. I attended St. Marys from 1st to 8th grade in the 70's. I remember several occasions that I had questions and spoke to the Father personally and he always was eager to listen and offer up good advice. I know he will be missed. My prayers are with his Family at St. Marys School.

May 9, 2014

As a SMS alum it is a heavy heart bright glistening spirit I reflect on my time with Monsignor Farrelly. Heaven gained yet another angel, continue your work!

Burgandi (Thompson) Alexander

Frank and Michele Thornburgh

May 5, 2014

We will always remember your kind, gentle heart and faithful spirit. Your lines being the longest during confession/reconciliation. Your evening walks around the school and church with your faithful dog not far behind you. Your outstretched handshake with a "Don't you know" in your Irish brogue. Always a quick joke along with your contagious smile. You have been in our thoughts and prayers for quite awhile and we now know you are peacefully in Heaven with our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watching over us all!

Don Croonquist

May 4, 2014

We at St Mary's were lucky to have Father Farrelly as well as Father Grogan serve together. They were like two Irish brothers looking after their Florida flock. I'm sure the wind is at his back, the rains are falling softly on his fields and he was in heaven for an hour before the devil knew he had passed. Top of the morning Father.

Patricia Branham

May 4, 2014

I first met Fr. Farrelly when my family moved to Florida in January, 1958, and we joined St. James Parrish. He was a kind and caring priest, with that shock of red hair and that wonderful Irish humor. He will always be a part of St. James.

Robert Capogreca II

May 3, 2014

Fr. Farrelly was "forever faithful." He was a great example of the forgiveness that Christ taught. He was genuine, down to earth, and a loving servant to St. Mary's and the community in general. Most of us will not remember his sermons, save for him asking the football scores or deciding to skip a page, but what we will remember his is dedication to the time he spent with parishioners, and the interaction he had at the parish and the school. Thank you for your years of service!

Edward/Myrna Weingartner

May 3, 2014

Bless you Father Farrelly, St. Mary's will miss you, as will all the entire members of the
church and community...Rest in peace .

Jay Pud Matuga

May 3, 2014

We pray that God will abundantly bless you for your lifetime of service to His Bride. We have many good and loving thoughts of your time at St Mary's. May your soul rest in God's love for eternity.

Keith Clark

May 3, 2014

Always had kind words for everyone. He helped my wife Robin and me so much. We shall miss him terribly

Tom/Bette Olson

May 2, 2014

Great with the kids at St. Mary's and loved his football. Will be missed by many..

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