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Joseph Farris Obituary
Joseph Farris, Husband of Cynthia Cox Farris, died at his home in Bethel, CT on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Joe was born on May 30, 1924 in Newark, NJ, the son of George & Adele Farris.
Joe grew up on Elm Street in Danbury, CT, and worked in his father's confectionery store. In 1943, Joe went into the US Army and served on the front lines in France and Germany. Upon returning home, Joe studied at the Whitney School of Fine Art in New Haven and with renowned cartoonist Richard Taylor. Joe purchased his home in Bethel in 1954 and remained a proud member of the community until his death. He was a lifelong NY Yankees fan.
A lifelong advocate of healthy lifestyles, Joe was a near-vegetarian who exercised vigorously and consistently his whole life. He was a distance runner for many years.
In addition to being an accomplished New Yorker cartoonist for over 57 years, Joe's cartoons appeared in numerous publications internationally. His many books include Phobias and Therapies, A Cog in the Wheel, and They're a Very Successful Family. The 2012 National Geographic publication of his book A Soldier's Sketchbook was one of his proudest accomplishments. A memoir of his time in the WWII, the book includes his letters home to his family and artwork he produced while there. A Joe and Emily Lowe Award-winning painter, his works are in the private collections of President Jimmy Carter, Paul Newman, Colleen Dewhirst, William Safire and Paul Mellon, as well as the Library of Congress. Joe's cartoons, paintings and sculptures have been the subject of one-man and group shows at the Ward Eggleston Gallery, the Karpeles Museum and the Bruce Museum. Many of his cartoons are also in the permanent collection of the Morgan Library & Museum in New York.
Joe will be remembered by his family for his gentleness, his distinct sense of humor and deep belief in and practice of tolerance. He gave generously to others in many ways including serving food for many years at the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury.
Joe is survived by his wife Cynthia, his daughter Christine (Farris) Andersen and her husband Erik, his stepsons Michael Aron, Stephen Aron & Peter Aron, his brother, Edward Farris, his sister-in-law, Nancy Farris and several cousins, nieces & nephews. He is also survived by his greatest source of joy and pride, grandchildren Emily Dae Andersen and Paul Joseph Andersen and step-grandchildren Miles Aron and Alexina Aron. He was predeceased by his brother George Farris.
A gathering for the celebration of his life will be held in the near future.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Farris
Michael P Poletti
January 26, 2025
A all around great guy, honor to have known you .
Michael Poletti
January 26, 2024
Will always remember Joe
Michael P Poletti
January 26, 2022
I'll never forget you Joe
January 26, 2021
I was the guy who came over to work on the Oil Burners in the house and garage. I will never forget Joe always dressed nice & his great sense of humour .We had many conversations. RIP Joe
one of hundrer letter of joe farris
habib el hayek
November 25, 2018
it is so sad that you leave us , i hope i did met you before .
Irene Delzell
March 5, 2016
I was a foster child, I tried looking up Christina, but failed to find her. I did stop and see Mr. Farris a few years back.
I was only 6 when the state took me to another foster home but I remember the vicinity and the winding driveway. I have few, but fond memories. Christina my heart goes out to you.He was loved.
Irene Delzell
October 8, 2015
Christina
Hope you'll remember me. I visited your Dad a few years back. It very sad to know he is gone. I don't have a lot of memory from the time I was the foster child,but I do remember he was kind. God will keep him safe. Irene
Joe at Amy's party in October in Newtown.
Andrew Hubbell
February 14, 2015
The world has lost a bright spark, He will be missed.
February 7, 2015
Not only was Joe a very talented artist and master in his field, but also a great person and a true friend. He will be greatly missed. His legacy will stay with us forever and he will continue to inspire many artists with the artwork he left behind. I will miss his friendship.
- Bill Hernandez (Stratford, CT)
Gerri Warner
February 5, 2015
Dear Farris / Andersen Families
I am saddened by the passing of Mr. Farris. Retired now, I was the postal carrier to both of your families back in the 80's/90's. It was always an "experience" driving up the hill with a package or a special delivery only to be welcomed by Joe's smiling face and warm greeting. A kind and gentle man, he will be missed by many.
My condolences to the family.
February 4, 2015
Dear Chris, Erik, Emily and Paul,
My life will always be a little brighter for having known your father and grandfather. His warmth and genuine caring touched me every time we met. The last few years, I would see him around town in restaurants, in stores, in doctors' offices - and he always had time and interest to ask about me and my family, and to listen to my answers. I know how much you all loved him, and how much he loved all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sandra Buscher
February 4, 2015
Joseph Farris to me was Uncle Joe. My dad's big brother was one of the kindest most loving and caring men I ever met. I could go on and on and on about why he was such a great father, brother, husband, son, uncle and friend but instead I'll say this. The world is a better place because of your 90 years here. Thank you for all you taught me, I will do my best to pass it along to the next generations of The Farris family. I love you Uncle Joe, RIP
Donald Stelzel
February 3, 2015
Chriss, I'm sorry for your loss, you have spoke very highly of your dad .he sounded like a great man he will be miss by many.Our prayers go out to your family at this time of need.
Mike Poletti
February 2, 2015
I use to service the two oil burners at Joes house and we talked a lot. A very smart and kind man. My condolences to his wife and family.
Pete Lavelle
February 1, 2015
Joe's warmth and openness with the guests at Dorothy Day House was inspiring! He didn't just work there, he connected with the guests.
Roz Chast
February 1, 2015
A wonderful cartoonist and a lovely guy. So sorry to hear about this.
Karen & Art Knudsen
February 1, 2015
Joe's love of life, family and friends was contagious..an inspiration to all the hearts he touched. He will be dearly missed.
February 1, 2015
I'm going to miss Joe, He was one of the nicest men I've ever meet. always a pleasure to talk to especially our conversations about the Yankees. God Bless
Your Fiends, Toms Paint and Wallpaper
Manfredo Tata
February 1, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Senator Blumenthal and Joe
Alice Hutchinson
February 1, 2015
Chris and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Joe's talent, wit and generosity set him apart from so many. I will miss him, as will so many. I remember the moment he gave a copy of his book to Senator Blumenthal (a Marine) and how humbled both of them were- by the gift and the giving of it.
Jim Russell
February 1, 2015
Joe, a most kind, soft-spoken man with a tremendous intellect and sense of humor, you will be missed my friend. Keep Heaven in good spirits !
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