Francis Xavier Farrell

1958 - 2022

Francis Xavier Farrell died peacefully on May 10 surrounded by his beloved wife and children.

Fran was born in 1958 in Pittsfield, MA to Dr. Joseph and Annemarie Cowhig Farrell, the fifth of nine children. He graduated from Taconic High School and Saint Michael's College. Fran moved to New York in 1980 to pursue a career in publishing, which included roles at Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure, as Publisher of The Sporting News, National Geographic Adventure, and Men's Journal, and as CEO and President of Turnstile Media Group.

Fran believed he found his true vocation as a husband and father. He provided unrelenting love and adventure for his family. An avid skier, biker, hiker, and runner, Fran was spontaneous, cherished any chance to get lost, and had a deep love for the natural world. Fran saw and celebrated the best in all people and situations; this generated an abundance of joy that he delighted in sharing with others.

In 2012 Fran was diagnosed with ALS, but he refused to let the illness define his life. As his body weakened, his curiosity, his faith, and his commitment to gratitude did not. An eye gaze-controlled tablet allowed him to read, play chess, and communicate. He continued to ski, bike, hike, and run vicariously through his loved ones, and to remind his 27 nieces and nephews: "Don't let anyone have more fun than you." Fran looked for and found beauty and joy everywhere, and he inspired anyone he met to join him.

Fran is survived by his wife of 38 years, Denise, and children Timothy (Annamaria Barbuti), John Cowhig "Jack", Anna (Dominic Green), Claire (CJ Laiacona), and Grace; his siblings (and best friends) Joe, Mary, Anne, Kate, Tom, John, Margaret and Jane and their families; Denise's mother Lorraine Sabert and her siblings Nancy, Jackie, and George and their families; Aunt Adelene Quigley; six cousins; and six beloved godchildren.

Fran is predeceased by his parents and his father-in-law George Sabert.

Calling hours will be 4-7 PM Thursday, May 19 in Croton Point Park. The funeral will be held at Saint Patrick's Church in Yorktown Heights on Friday, May 20 at 11 A M. In lieu o f flowers, please send donations to Bridging Voice (bridgingvoice.org), Compassionate Care ALS (ccals.org), and 88 Bikes (88bikes.org).