David M Farrell

David M. Farrell was born on November 22, 1946 and died on March 23, 2026 at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. He had been living with Parkinson’s for a remarkable 30 years. He was liked by everyone and known for his gentle ways, fortitude in the face of challenges, good humor, and love of family.

Dave was born at his family’s home in Patton, Pennsylvania to Theodore and Esther (Sherry) Farrell, the youngest of three children: Bill was 10 years older than him and Jack 14. Dave would joke that he felt like an only child at times because Bill and Jack were so much older. His brothers were nevertheless profoundly influential in shaping his life as were his parents. Ted and Jack were carpenters and brick masons and taught Dave about the importance of a trade and how to work with your hands. Esther, a nurse and no-nonsense woman, taught him the value of a good education as did Bill, and Dave followed in Bill’s footsteps and attended Penn State where he studied engineering.

Dave then went to work at Bailey Controls in 1966. While his career in engineering would span another 40 years, the job at Bailey proved most significant because it was there he met a certain Betty Wilson. Dave quietly watched her waiting for the right moment to ask her on a date. A short six weeks after that first date, Dave proposed on New Year’s Day in 1978. The two were married later that year and welcomed their son, Ken, in 1981 and daughter, Lisa, in 1983.

After a stint in Florida, Dave and his family took up residence in Chandler. By this time, Dave was working at Honeywell first as an engineer and then later as a project manager, the latter position the one in which he truly shined and always felt more at home with because of his natural ease with people. He would make the trek from the family’s home in Chandler to Peoria without complaint every day.

Although his job wasn’t particularly close to home, he was present in the day-to-day of his kids’ lives. He never missed an opportunity to teach the kind of life skills that he had learned growing up. Ken in particular took eagerly to each and every DIY project whether it was working on cars, tinkering with appliances, or fixing a broken sprinkler head. Equally important to him was teaching his kids the value of a good education—a real gift.

Dave was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 30 years ago. His story wouldn’t be complete without mention of it, but the disease never defined him. He had an ease of acceptance (and remarkable humor) with his diagnosis and the progressive challenges that came with it. With Betty at his side for every beautiful and heart wrenching moment, together they looked Parkinson’s square in the eye and beat the disease in every sense possible. They found a second home in the wonderful people they met at Banner Neuro Wellness, a remarkable place that specializes in care for those with movement disorders. Dave never missed an opportunity to volunteer to help advance the science of treatment for Parkinson’s and the training of health care professionals who treat those with movement disorders.

Dave was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His family is grateful for the time spent with Lisa and her kids, Andrew (11), Caden (8), and Madison (6), and with Ken and Jackie and their kids, Reagan (14) and Liam (13). Even as his abilities declined, he delighted in playing chess, Uno, Life, and any another game his grandkids would ask him to play. He also dearly loved his nieces and nephews who always had a special place in his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gilbert Community Center (130 N Oak St, Gilbert, AZ 85233) on April 25, 2026 at 2:00 pm. If you wish, please make a donation in his name to Neuro Wellness Charitable Organization (www.nwcoaz.com or PO Box 1455, Gilbert, AZ 85299)