Charles W. "Charlie" Farrell Jr.

Charles W. "Charlie" Farrell, Jr. age 86, of Erie passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He was born on January 19, 1935 in Morristown, N.J., son of the late Charles W. and Margaret (Buck) Farrell.

He grew up in Morristown, N.J., graduating from Morristown High School. He met his future wife of sixty-three years, Betty Clemens in 1953, marrying her in 1957 at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 1960, they moved to Erie to begin their own employment business, now known as Infinity Resources, which spans three generation of their family.

Charlie was a lifelong athlete beginning at George Washington Grade School where he was the 1947 Boys' Marble Champion. Charlie, or "Koo," was also a standout basketball player in high school, holding the state free-throw record in 1952. He continued his basketball career at Muhlenberg College, where he graduated in 1957.

He spent a life around golf, first learning the game as a caddy in Morristown, and continuing as a forty-five year playing member at Lakeshore Country Club in Fairview. Capping his enjoyment of the game were his five holes-in-one.

Charlie most enjoyed family life. From swimming at Presque Isle, to camping trips to Cook Forest rustic state cabins to VW camper excursions to the Jersey Shore to Farrell-Spier-Comport family reunions at Apple Valley California, he never missed a chance for an adventure with Betty and his children and grandchildren. He loved being a father and his focus on his family gratefully extended to his eleven grandchildren who learned to golf, swim, ride a bike, and the tenants of good sportsmanship in all of their activities.

As active members of St. Andrew Church for more than fifty years, faith was always the center of Betty and Charlie's life. Charlie also was an enthusiastic member of the local chapter of the service club, SERTOMA.

As his friends and family would attest, Charlie was a true gentleman: kind, generous, and unflappable. He had a quick wit honed around the dinner table on Hill Street in Morristown and carried on throughout life, much to Betty's chagrin. Charlie also possessed the faith and wisdom to always put things into perspective, in business and in life. His encouragement to those in his family and business were a testament to these qualities.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Betty; a sister, Jean Spier-Comport; and a grandson, Patrick M. Dovishaw.

Charlie is survived by his children: Martin J. Farrell, Helene Farrell-Dovishaw, husband John; Thomas P. Farrell, wife Jody; and Nancy R. Farrell; eleven grandchildren, Margaret, Nora, Erin, Zachary, Katerina, Drew, Gabriella, Nicholas, Ryan, Emily and Ava; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 13th from 2 to 5 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street. On Monday, June 14th at St. Andrew Church; a short visitation will continue at 12:30 p.m. followed by the 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be private in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 345 East 9th Street, Erie, PA 16503. Condolences may be sent at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

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