Michael Joseph "Mike" Farrington

Surrounded by his loving family, Michael J. Farrington passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 after a long illness. Born and raised in Jersey City, Michael and his family spent the past 42 years living in Brookside, Mendham Township.

He leaves to mourn his devoted wife of 59 years, Bernice O'Sullivan Farrington; his loving children, daughter, Michele Farrington Eppel and husband, Darryl of Flanders, son, Keith Rory Farrington of Brookside, his five precious grandchildren, John Dean, Caitlin Dean, Michael, Timothy and Gillian Eppel. Michael was predeceased by his mother and father, Delia and Darby Farrington and his brother, John Farrington. He is also survived by sisters, Doris Almquist (husband Olaf), Audrey Mc Naught, sister in laws, Marie Farrington Patnaude, Elaine O'Sullivan and Ela O'Sullivan, along with 18 nieces and nephews.

Michael attended Snyder High School in Jersey City NJ, RCA Institute, and Newark College of Engineering. Mr. Farrington served with the United States Army of Occupation in Japan for 2 years. For 27 years Mr. Farrington was employed by and retired from the Radio Corporation of America. In 1974, he went to work for Exxon, retiring in 1992. Michael volunteered for many years with the VNA of Somerset, served on the Board of Elections in his hometown, belonged to the Exxon Mobile Annuitants Club, RCA Retirees Club and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Mendham NJ. Mr. Farrington will be remembered for the years of joy he brought to both children and adults alike in his role of Santa Claus at the Morristown Green and the Rockaway Townsquare Mall.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there… I do not sleep.

I am the thousand winds that blow…

I am the diamond glints on snow…

I am the sunlight on ripened grain…

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you waken in the mornings hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of gentle birds in circling flight…

I am the soft star that shines at night

Do not stand at my grave and cry -

I am not there… I did not die…"

Visiting will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Bailey Funeral home, Hilltop Road, Mendham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mendham. www.baileyfuneral homes.com