Joseph B. Farrell

Joseph Farrell Obituary

FARRELL

Joseph B. Farrell Ph. D. PE (1923-2015) Joseph Brendan Farrell died peacefully in his home on December 19, 2015 at the age of 92 surrounded by his children. He is survived by his seven children: Joe Farrell of Lewes, Delaware, Bob Farrell (Michelle) of Bellevue, Kentucky, Rose Hammell of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Mary Rosenfeldt, Tom (Ginny) Farrell, Chris Farrell (LeAnn) and Theresa Farrell all of Cincinnati. He was a loving grandfather to many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Agnes Farrell, his loving wife of 63 years, Winifred Farrell, his sister, Agnes Marsh and his brother, William Farrell, one son-in-law, John Rosenfeldt, one grandson, Reed Farrell and two infant granddaughters, Katherine and Stephanie Farrell. Joseph grew up in the Bronx, New York. He graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1944, M.S. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1947 and a Ph. D from Cornell University in 1954. He worked in private industry until 1960 when he answered the call to teach chemical engineering at Manhattan College. When asked by his seven children why he left, he said it was more important to make a positive difference in the vocation we chose, rather than how much money we would make. Joe moved his family to Cincinnati in 1967 to work for the EPA to help in the new field of Environmental Science. While at the EPA, Dr. Farrell's work directly impacted the treatment of all domestic waste water in the United States. His work was instrumental in developing the current framework for biosolids management, allowing for beneficial land application for soil replenishment, while ensuring public safety by defining the treatment to eliminate harmful microorganisms and reduce metals in domestic biosolids. He retired from the EPA in 1993 and continued as an environmental consultant until 2012. His contributions to protect public and environmental health have stood the test of time, and have been recognized with distinguished honors, including the "William W. Edgar Pioneer Award" for outstanding contributions to the disinfection field, awarded in 2005 by the Water Environment Federation. Joseph was a parishioner of Guardian Angels Parish for 48 years serving in a variety of leadership roles including President of both the School Board and Parish Council. Since he retired from the EPA, he has enjoyed serving various charities, but he had a particular passion for his work as a tutor and mentor in math and science for students from Purcell-Marian. Memorial Mass will be held at Guardian Angels Church on January 9 at 10 am. Friends may greet family members at 9 a.m. in the Gathering Space, and there will be a reception immediately following the mass. Memorial contributions can be made to C/O Sister Janet Linz, Lavatas Powell Tutoring/Mentoring Program, 2935 Hackberry, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

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Published by Kentucky Enquirer on Dec. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Farrell

9 Entries

Deacon Dave and Linda Shaffer

January 9, 2016

Many happy memories.

Richard Brenner

January 6, 2016

I worked with Joe during his entire career at EPA from 1967-1993. I remember him as the consummate scientist and gentleman. He was one of three world renowned experts and pioneers in wastewater sludge treatment research we were blessed with at EPA over the last three decades of the 20th century. The other two were Bob Dean and Jim Smith whom Joe worked closely with for many years. Joe was an extremely kind and generous man, always ready to offer support and welcome advice when asked. As a family man, he had no peer and was a great role model. I am honored to have been able to call Joe my friend. Well done thy good and faithful servant. God bless.

Cathy Cain

January 6, 2016

Although I did not work with him directly, Joe always had a friendly hello when you passed him in the hallway. Sorry for your loss.

Marianne Marsden

December 31, 2015

I remember Uncle Joe and Aunt Winny from long ago. The summer before Nanna (Agnes Farrell) died she and I spent time in Connecticut at their house. It is a good memory.

Jeanne Talmadge

December 31, 2015

Uncle Joe was closest to me in age, and when he moved to Ohio was closest to us in distance. He was the best Uncle a girl could have. (He taught me to dance when I was 13. I think he may have had some help!) I will miss him very much. My love to all the cousins.
Jeanne Marie Talmadge

Eileen Farrell - Agronick

December 29, 2015

Uncle Joe was a great uncle. He reminded us so much of our dad in his looks and temperament. He was quiet, gentle but had strong opinions on things and was a dedicated father, grandparent and family man. Family was everything. Their lessons are great examples for all us "kids" to emulate. They are greatly missed but are now together in heaven. God Bless.

December 28, 2015

I knew Joe from USEPA when I worked in research at the Taft Center and for the National Training Center. His legacy is in the training materials developed for training wastewater treatment plant operators. I was the grant officer for the materials: Sludge Treatment and Disposal developed by Linn-Benton Community College. These materials are still used to train around the world. The principles do not change! Little was known about various sludges until Joe, Ken Dotson, et.al. did their work in the late 70s.

Joe and Ken were good friends but we lost contact with one another when I left EPA in 1981. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family but we can rejoice in his valuable contributions to mankind. He was a wonderful human being that I always admired. He is in Heaven with God.
Lynn S. Marshall, Cincinnati [email protected].

Albert Venosa

December 27, 2015

Joe was a great friend and supervisor to me at EPA for many years. I had the greatest respect for his passion and professionalism in his job. He will be missed, but he is in a better place right now.

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

December 27, 2015

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow "Jasper Maker" and the family at this time. Faculty -- current and past -- are recognized, remembered, and prayed for. We are mindful of the service of these good men and women that comprise the Jasper "forge" that making us what we are. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

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