Anthony-Farnett-Obituary

Photo courtesy of R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton

Anthony J Farnett

Hampton, Virginia

Aug 19, 1944 – Jul 27, 2021 (Age 76)

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BORN
August 19, 1944
DIED
July 27, 2021
AGE
76
LOCATION
Hampton, Virginia

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R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton Obituary

Anthony John Farnett, 76, of Hampton, Virginia passed away on July 27, 2021 peacefully at the hospital surrounded by family.


Tony was born in New London, CT., to the late Anthony Farnett and the late Mary Ann Babich. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unconditional love, and sense of humor. 


Born on August 19, 1944, Tony’s life may have been predestined for patriotic duty. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the military and became a career serviceman in the United States Army. He retired after 20 years in the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer and was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. Tony’s awards and decorations include the Air Medal of Valor and the Bronze Star Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster. After his retirement from the Army, he worked for Riverside Health System for 35 years.


He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Ruth Farnett of Hampton. Tony will be lovingly remembered by his son Stephen Farnett (Amanda) of St Leonard, MD; goddaughters Cheryl (Ryan) Bare and Caitlin (Daniel) Bailey; grandson Aiden; numerous extended family.


Tony was devoted to his family, church and community to include Boy Scout Troop 31.


A viewing will be held at 10am with service to follow at 11a.m. on Saturday, July 31st at Phoebus United Methodist Church, Hampton.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Phoebus United Methodist Church.


Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.

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I had the pleasure of working with Tony at RRI.... he was a great guy.. And will surely be missed. My condolences to the family.

Ruth—I send my deepest condolences. Tony was one of the best bosses and mentors I ever had in my career. I will always remember him at RRI singing “Rainy days and Mondays get me down” every time it rained on a Monday! His sense of humor kept me laughing every week and his heart made working with him a joy. I am so sorry to you and Stephen and your whole family. May God Bless you all.

I will miss this great patriot, family man and Boy Scouter. He epitomized the concept of "servant leader" and Boy Scout Troop 31 is better because of Tony's years of service to the troop, including as Scoutmaster. I'll forever carry fond memories of stories told around many campfires with him. My condolences to Ruth, Stephen and the entire family. God bless.

Race in Peace you are a tuff cookie

Tony will be missed by everbody who knew him. Tony was our lunch buddy at RBHC. He took his job seriously. I

My mentor ... Rest in Peace, my friend, Rest in Peace ...

Words are not enough- I will miss Tony and his funny stories! He will always have a special place in my heart! I’m so lucky to have known him for the past ten years. God Bless

I only knew him for a very short time but he was such a nice man. Very knowledgeable on his trade. Pyramid Healthcare will miss him.

I'm glad to have known Tony as a Scouter associated with Troop 31. The Scouts that had the benefit of Tony's guidance and leadership over his years of involvement were undoubtedly better for it. My sincere sympathy to the Farnett family.