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Leo J. Farrell

1938 - 2016

Leo J. Farrell obituary, 1938-2016, Jacksonville, FL

BORN

1938

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens - Jacksonville Beach

1701 Beach Blvd

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Leo Farrell Obituary

FARRELL Major Leo J. Farrell, USMC (Ret) Leo J. Farrell passed away on June 8, 2016 in Jacksonville, FL. Visitation will be held Tues, June 21 from 6 pm to 8pm at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL, with Catholic Mass being held Wed, June 22 at 10am at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 224 5th St N, Jax Bch, FL followed by immediate escort to National Cemetery Jacksonville, FL with military honors. Leo was born April 7, 1938 to James Leroy Farrell and Kathleen Ruth Walsh during a snow blizzard in Whittemore, IA. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, IA in 1961 and voluntarily joined The United States Marine Corps, where he received many distinguishing service awards including: National Defense Service Medal; Air Medal w/33*; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/4*; Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross w/palm; Purple Heart and Bronze Star w/V. Leo eventually retired from military service in 1982, settling in Jacksonville, FL where he became active in the community. He was a member of Civitan International Birmingham, AL and served in officer positions with FL 1st Coast Civitan and Arlington Civitan Club. Since 2002 to present he was Team Captain who coordinated fund raising for the Beaches Relay for Life, American Cancer Society and for various years served as a committee member. He is a member of Seely- Walsh Post #425 of The American Legion, Whittemore, IA; Lifetime member of MOAA, Mayport Chapter; Lifetime member of Women Marines Association LEGGS, FL-7 First Coast WMA; former pilot for HMM 265, USMC and participant with annual reunions now earned the right to fly once again, St Paul's Catholic Church, Jax Bch whose singing voice will be sorely missed, and an avid reader (Chief Read Heap Much featured in Life Magazine Sep 29, 1947), sports fan of Jeff Gordon NASCAR, Hawkeye and Yankees. He is survived by his wife, Major Arlene (Arddy) Cyphers Farrell USMC (Ret), his children Deborah Haley (John), Patrick Farrell (Erin), grandchildren Benjamin Tyler Farrell, McKenna Eileen Haley, John Mark Haley, Alexandra Gratchev, and Gabrielle Gratchev; brother Tom (JoAnn) Farrell of Prairie City, IA.; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who all call him Uncle Leo. Leo is preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathleen, his siblings, sisters Mary (Eddie Elbert), Emy Farrell and Celine Farrell in infancy; brothers, James (Lela) and Kenneth (Florence). In lieu of flowers, Leo Farrell, requested donations to Civitan International Research Center, Birmingham, AL or Loras College in Dubuque, IA. A Wake will be Tuesday, June 21 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 22 at 10:00 am at St Paul's Catholic Church, 428 2nd Ave., N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 followed by a burial service at 1:00 pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32218. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Beaches Chapel, 1701 Beach., Blvd., Jacksonville, Beach, FL 32250 (904) 249-2374 www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union on Jun. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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August 3, 2017

Dear Arddy,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Leo, he was a good man and a respected commanding officer at MWHS-2. He was thoughtful and generous in taking me on two trips with him on the C-130 he flew. I will never forget the long flight to Mildenhall England. It was good experience.

I remember Major Farrell in his running gear one day and I asked him if he was getting in shape for promotion photos, he kind of scowled at me, it was all in fun though, he was a bit annoyed but was laughing when he looked back at me. He truly did have a sense of humor.

I am glad I served at MHWS-2 with Major Farrell as the CO. Reflecting back to that time makes me appreciate the quality person he was.

Semper Fidelis,
Keith E. Davenport
Hermitage, Tennessee

June 22, 2016

Dear Pat and entire Farrell family. Just a few lines to tell you all how sorry I am to here of Major Farrell's passing. I am also a vet so I can appreciate the bravery and valor he displayed in serving his country. I spend a great deal of time at the VA hospital and plan a prayer vigil in his honor. I wish you all the best in the future, and I know how proud of him you must be. With deepest sympathy and admiration.

Richard M. Picheco

Mary & Bill Febuary

June 21, 2016

Arddy and all the Farrell family: We are so saddened to hear this news! We feel so fortunate to have been able to laugh with Leo (aka Chicken Man) and will treasure his memory. We are having him remembered at morning Mass here at our parish in Hawaii tomorrow. God bless and keep you all--we will be raising a glass for Leo!

Lee Conrey

June 21, 2016

I am going to miss Leo! I enjoyed my little lunches with him occasionally and him helping out with out Civitina Events. He was such a. Great Sport and always made me laugh. RIP Leo.

Goerge Ciaramella

June 20, 2016

Leo was a fine man and wonderful personality. H will be missed by all. He did so much for his country and charity. My condolences to Arddy and his family.

a photo of Leo & Emy- Arddy shared with us

Nick & Bernie Klepac

June 15, 2016

Our memories of Leo will keep him alive in our hearts and when we share those memories together, we know Leo will be smiling with us as we laugh. As long as we remember, he'll be with us.

Ken Walton

June 13, 2016

Leo, Your truly from the best generation. You will always be remembered with a smile. I will toast to you often, and I'm honored to have known as a friend.

Hazel Grace Medina

June 13, 2016

I sing for multiple masses, but my favorite is 11:30 mass because Leo would always sing with me. I'm going to miss his smile while he sits right in front of me. Every time I sing a specific song I can hear him singing a different pitch that would always make me smile because of his passionate character. I'm going to miss those moments with his beautiful voice and his famous soul up-lifting happy face. I love you Leo and you'll always be in my heart!

Patrick Farrell

June 13, 2016

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words regarding my father. I always knew that he was a special man but through this tremendous loss and with reading everyone's entries in this guest book, it has made me realize what a truly great man he was. His valor in combat, his unselfish nature and the way he seemed to touch the hearts of everyone who was privileged enough to know him is an inspiration. He was a wonderful father, grand-father and friend and his passing leaves a huge void. I love you Dad.

LARRY HART

June 11, 2016

I WAS A 20 YEAR OLD KID IN 1967-68 I WAS THE RADIO MAN WITH JUNGLE BUNNY I RESCUE TEAM I SEVERED UNDER LT POWELL WE GOT SHOT DOWN ON ONE RESCUE WE WERE DOWN 3 OR 4 DAYS BEFORE THEY PULLED US OUT IT WAS GUYS LIKE LEO THAT WE LOOKED UP TO. IT MADE ME A BETTER MAN.
LARRY J HART
HMM-265

June 11, 2016

Our family sends our sympathy and love from Colorado. Only remember Leo as a child-so tall and handsome! Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Ron and Dorothy (Baas) Struthers

Linda K Farrell

June 10, 2016

I'm so glad we got to spend time with Uncle Leo, Arddy, Debbie and McKenna when we were down in January 2015. Leaving was so difficult and knowing our time together was maybe one of the last made it that much worse. I will always treasure our family relationship and friendship! God loves a good Irishman and the Farrell boys were some of His finest!! Rest in Peace, Leo, and until we meet again, Cheers and Farewell ❤

Trisha Hunt

June 10, 2016

Leo, you are a source of inspiration to everyone who meets you. I will forever be grateful our paths crossed and we became friends. Thank you for sharing your stories, your laughter and your family. You did notice I did not say "your Jamison". You will always be with me in my heart and never forgotten

Jo Meehan

June 10, 2016

Thoughts and prayers for Leo and family.

George Cumpston

June 10, 2016

Leo will always be a shining light as we remember those who others sought to emulate. Few have ever inspired friendships and pride as our Marine hero Leo.

Lyle Baas

June 10, 2016

Leo was a true friend from the old days in Whittemore Ia. Leo and I spent our first days in the Marine Corps together, Our times together will never be forgotten.

Lyle Baas

June 10, 2016

Leo was a true friend from the old days in Whittemore Ia. Leo and I spent our first day in the Marine Corps together, Our times together will never be forgotten.

Bob Carlson

June 10, 2016

As an H-37 driver, I never flew with Leo, but knew him well. Later in life, had many laughs together on the golf course in NC. RIP, old pal.

Arnie Reiner

June 9, 2016

Leo and I went through some funny times together (Cubi Pt. jungle survival school) and some tough times (Dong Ha) and I'll always be grateful that we served together.

Terry Ruhter

June 9, 2016

A real loss, Leo was a true Marine, leader and friend that we always counted on, through thick or thin. Rest in Peace.

Terry Ruhter

June 9, 2016

A real loss, Leo was a true Marine, leader and friend that we could always count on.

Chuck Johnson

June 9, 2016

Leo was a good friend, a good pilot, and a good Marine. HMM-265 reunions won't be the same without his hearty laughter.

Elmer Davis

June 9, 2016

Leo was always a pleasure to work and fly with. He could be counted on for a smile or a laugh. Rest in peace.

Ed Hunt

June 9, 2016

Arddy. I regret your lost almost as much as you do. To say Leo was a friend is a great understatement,...... he was also a "buddy" and will be missed by everyone who ever came into contact with. May the good LORD reward him with a fine place in HIS house.

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Memorial Events
for Leo Farrell

Jun

21

Wake

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens - Jacksonville Beach

1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Jun

22

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Paul's Catholic Church

224 5th St N, Jax Bch, FL

Jun

22

Burial

1:00 p.m.

Jacksonville National Cemetery

4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens - Jacksonville Beach

1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

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