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Marc Farrell Obituary
Marc E. Farrell
HARRISBURG - Marc E. Farrell, 75, died at home in Harrisburg on August 10, 2024.
Marc taught vocal music for 30 years in Harrisburg School District. He performed with Theatre Harrisburg and was passionate about bicycling.
He graduated from Carlisle High School in 1966 and earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from West Chester University. He served in the U.S. Army, 1969-1971.
Marc was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor (Stutzman) and William Farrell. Survivors include his wife, Diane McCormick; daughters: Bryden McCurdy (Thad) and Meaghan Farrell; grandchild, Adria McGarry; and sisters: Diane Walker, Harrisburg, and Mary Ann Ferguson, Augusta, GA.
Services will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marc Farrell
Denise Green
November 13, 2024
My condolences to the friends and family of Mr Farrell. Mr Farrell was my choir director at Hbg High School from 77-80. He was such a nice person and very committed to the success of his choir students. I know that he will be missed dearly.
Joc Grant
September 6, 2024
I will severely miss you, Marc! When I moved to that neighborhood 11 years ago. Marc and I got each other's name wrong. For almost 2 years called each other the wrong name but still held conversations on the sidewalk. Marc found out he was getting my name wrong and got mad at me for not correcting him. At that point, our friendship was set in stone. We would sit on the porch and talk about life and family. More than a handful of times, I went to Marc for advice. The delivery of the message was colorful to say the least! Haha! However, the message was felt, loud and clear. I'm really happy I got to see you one last time! I will miss you so much! This one hurt!
Kim Williams Acrie
August 27, 2024
In Loving Memory of Mr Farrell. Mrs Farrell, sorry for your loss. He was our Choir Director. We wanted to Sing because of him. He was Loved! I used to babysit Bryden when she was an infant. God Bless
Tonya and Family ( neighbor)
August 26, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tony Cobb
August 26, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jim Gill
August 24, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Marc thru bike shop. He was always so kind. Thanks for all the laughs and good times. I cant wait to fix your bike on the other side. Rest in peace my brother.
Sharon L. Wertz Davis
August 22, 2024
My prayers and thoughts are with Mr,Farrell´s loved ones. He was my choir instructor at Harrisburg High during the 77-79. He was the nicest teacher. Always cheerful and always had a moment to speak to his students.He took the choir to DC to sing! It is an indelible memory which will live with me forever!
Carla J. Hargrove
August 22, 2024
Marc was my teacher. He was kind and passionate about music. He saw the promise in me and supported my singing although I specialized in acting at HAMS. He was wonderful and he is missed.
Alexander Baez Muniz
August 22, 2024
Mr. Farrell was a wonderful teacher and mentor while I attended HCT. I know that he inspired me and lots of students. Blessings to him and condolences to his family and loved ones.
Laurie Metzger
August 20, 2024
Mr. Farrell is never far from my mind. Every time I hear Kurt Weil, every time I hear Cole porter, Gershwin, Roger´s & hart, Roger´s & Hammerstein or Sondheim- my understanding of what makes good theater, comedy and music started with him- my time at Harrisburg Arts magnet school was unforgettable and influential. All my professional work has a little bit of Marc Farrell in it.
So much love to Bryden and Megan and all the family he left behind.
Laurie Metzger Petrausch
Patrice and Jon Whitson
August 19, 2024
Ah the memories. He conducted the first show I was in at HCT where I got bit hard by the theatre bug. Many shows and many memories. First story that pops into mind was when he had to sing at a funeral and he had had a bag of cherries...too funny. He brought smiles but was hard on us too. He cared. That´s for sure. He wanted us to be good AND have fun. It can be done. Condolences to the family. You are in my prayers!!
Giovanni Traino
August 19, 2024
Mr Farrell helped mold me into the performer I am today and I´m so grateful for his teaching & passion in music theatre and ability to bring that out in his students. He will surely be missed. My condolences and prayers to the family!
Holly
August 19, 2024
When I returned to Central PA, after working six years in tech theatre through the northeast, Marc was one of the first from Harrisburg Bicycle Club to befriend me. Over several decades in a bicycle saddle, thousands of miles across mulitple states, we swapped theatre tales, stupid jokes, great conversation, many, many beers, and the occasdional cigar. Thanks for the memories Marc. I cherish them and you.
To Diane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your home will be much more quite. In every sense, Marc was a large presence who leaves a large hole in the world.
Jill Bradley
August 18, 2024
I enjoyed all of Marc´s stories and jokes. As a fellow educator and cyclist, I enjoyed his sense of humor and enthusiasm for music. He will be missed. Jill Bradley
Jalena Jenkins
August 18, 2024
He´s probably 80% of the reason I survived high school....
Looking back, God really used him to inspire me through music...
He introduced me to music theatre especially Gershwin... He co wrote my first song and wrote the notes on sheet music for me, which I still have... introduced me to music theory... county chorus... called my mom because I didn´t show up for his class one afternoon... begged me not to sing Gospel so hard...
Eye of the Tiger...
Every Breath You Take...
Pirates of Penzance...
Somewhere over the Rainbow....
Porgy and Bess...
And Godspell.......
Mmmm...
Just to name a few impactful things he introduced me to...
"I need more Jalena!"
I´d roll my eyes...
He´d walk up on me with his hand on his hip and roll his eyes... bump me with his bones...
Theeeeee one and only music teacher!
Theeeeee BEST!
Rest in love, Mr. Farrell...
....
Brian McCormick
August 18, 2024
As a member of the McCormick Out-laws, Marc was the consummate ring leader. When we would sing
A Place in the Choir for Christmas, his beautiful baritone would rise above all our Joyful Noise. We will miss you dearly Marc. I know you will be the one cutting up in the back row of the heavenly choir. Keep singing friend!
Richard Norford
August 18, 2024
I met Marc through The Harrisburg Bicycle Club, shortly after moving to Harrisburg. He was meticulous about his bike and routes he lead us along. As a newcomer and a Washington DC Sports fan you can only imagine our debates. He was to simply out it "a great guy" that is surely missed.
Richard Norford
Pam McMullen
August 18, 2024
I first knew Marc so many years ago when he was our neighborhood paperboy in Carlisle. Imagine my surprise when years later I started dating my husband and learned that Marc was one of his best friends! We connected through biking and I have a great photo of Marc ensuring that my wedding dress didn´t get tangled in the bike chain as my husband and I rode a tandem after the ceremony. I have many fond memories of riding with Marc and hanging out at our favorite Mexican restaurant. He´ll always have a special place in our hearts.
Diane Farrell Walker
August 18, 2024
I'm Marc's sister and love all these wonderful comments, especially from his former students. He so loved teaching you all and took great joy in all your successes. Thank you!
Marilyn S Chastek
August 18, 2024
Marc was always so witty and interesting to talk to, and he made the Sunday after-ride breakfast a lot of fun. It was a pleasure to ride bikes with him. I'm sure he was an amazing teacher, too. I miss seeing having him around.
Leslie (Immell) Jacobs
August 18, 2024
You forever changed my life! You were the first teacher to acknowledge that maybe I had a shred of talent; you fostered my mind as much as you did my voice. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for being you & allowing us to be us- awkward teenage music theatre nerds. - HAMS `96
Kevin L. Wilson
August 17, 2024
Mr. Farrell was that teacher that made you fall in love with music he pushed me to be better. Concert Choir, (3) District choruses because he said I could! He will always be remembered as one of my favorite teachers & an even better man!
Bill and Carol (O´Brine) Schleig
August 17, 2024
So, so sorry to hear of Marc´s passing. We enjoyed many conversations with Marc while teaching in the Harrisburg School District and we enjoyed his outstanding theater performances. What a talent! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Leah Payne
August 17, 2024
All I can say is this man knew how to bring your gift forward. I remember auditioning in Middle School for the Freshman Chorus. He was funny and encouraging. He is why I love theater especially music theater. He was my music/choir teacher and my musical theater instructor at Riverside. I learned so much from him. Thank you Mr. Farrell for helping find and use my God given gift. Blessings to ya and your family.
Herbie Hall
August 17, 2024
Mr. Farrell was the consummate educator. He prepared us to compete for District Chorus which no Harrisburg High students had ever been. Needless to say 5 of us auditioned and 3 made the cut. He would have us practice on Saturdays at his home and always had a wonderful breakfast prepared. He was loved and will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Sincerely, Herbie Hall-Class of 1978
Ginny Jones Clark
August 17, 2024
RIP my friend. Hope your able to bicycle up there..
Bryan Wilson
August 17, 2024
Mr. Farrell was my choir instructor and play director for our high school musical "Guys and Dolls" around 1980 or 1981. He was highly skilled in music and quite an encouraging type of person. I am sorry for the loss of such an iconic person!
Lorraine R Long
August 17, 2024
To the best high school choir director. He always made singing fun and made us laugh! My deepest condolences to the family!
Holly Fountain
August 17, 2024
Rest in power to the legendary, Mr. Farrell!
He was the best music teacher and choir director that Harrisburg High has ever seen, and it was an honor and a joy to be one of his students. Thank you, Mr. Farrell. I will never forget you.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. Thank you for sharing this great man with us.
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