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Philip Farber Obituary
Phil was born on June 4, 1949 to Doris and Murray Farber in Brooklyn, NY and he was raised in Canarsie. Always an academic, Phil was accepted into Stuyvesant High School and commuted everyday by train into New York City's East Village to attend the prestigious school. After finishing high school, he went on to study mathematics at SUNY Stonybrook.
After a 2 1/2-year stint in the Peace Corps, during which he taught sports in Valera, Venezuela, he took a fortunate trip to neighboring Bogota, Colombia, where he met his future wife, Nohra. The two were married in 1975, and then had 2 children, Kristin and Scott.
Phil received his Ph.D. in psychology in 1979 from the University of Wisconsin. In 1981, he joined the clinical psychology program at Florida Tech' School of Psychology, where he worked for nearly 40 years. Phil served as the Associate Director, then Director, of Clinical Training for the Psy.D. Program from 1986 - 2002 then from 2005 - 2008. He was also an Associate on the medical staff at Holmes Regional.
During his tenure at Florida Tech, Phil was voted by the clinical student body as Outstanding Faculty Professor, Advisor and Mentor on four different occasions. These awards meant so much to him.
Phil also maintained a part-time private practice in Indialantic, FL, where he helped various members of the community. His kind and generous nature was evident with his past volunteer work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Brevard and he was past President of Prevent! of Brevard. He was past president of The National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP).
A sports lover all his life, Phil was voted the MVP of his college track team for three years. He enjoyed playing and coaching baseball and softball. Later in life, he took up cycling. At age 51, and he proudly trained and completed a 100-mile road bike ride in Mount Dora, Florida. In his free time, Phil also loved to go to the gym and attend sporting events.
Phil relished completing daily crossword puzzles and he enjoyed talking philosophy whenever he could. Family cruises were his favorite type of vacation. He was content to relax in the sun with a sudoku, especially with a dog on his lap. We will miss his corny jokes and his infectious sense of humor.
Phil is survived by his wife of almost 49 years Nohra, daughter Kristin (Chad) Russell, son Scott (Kim) Farber and his grandchildren Ethan and Paige Russell and Ryleigh, Emery and Adley Farber. Phil truly lived for his family and had a bond with his wife, children, and grandchildren like no other. He adored them. Phil was always there for his family, no matter the time or the place. He was a loving uncle and brother-in-law. He was a father and a mentor for so many. Phil will be greatly missed, yet we find comfort knowing his legacy will continue.
At Phil's request, there will be an intimate celebration of life for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil's memory may be sent to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.
Please share any photos and/or stories of Dr. Phil.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mark R. Tims Psy.D. USAF-Ret.
October 21, 2024
Blessings and condolences to a gifted professor and mentor. Philip´s kindness and expertise will be ensconced in my memory as it is in many of his other students.
Eugene S. Nelson
June 21, 2023
Eugene S. Nelson
June 21, 2023
Eugene S. Nelson
June 21, 2023
In October 1970 40-50 young adults met in San Ysidro, CA to begin the three-month Peace Corps Training Program for service in Venezuela. During this training program which was a sports program affiliated with the national sports organization in Venezuela called IND I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Phil Farber. You can see a photo of us in recent years as we returned to the infamous basketball court at San Ysidro Park & Recreation facilities. During our program there were many activities which included Spanish language classes and cultural activities. In the program the prospective volunteers lived with Hispanic families in the community. Most of us did not speak Spanish when we arrived and most of these Hispanic families did not speak English. An adventurous program for all of us began when we arrived in CA. In order to get to the classes most of us rented, borrowed or bought bicycles. The photo attached of Phil Farber riding his bicycle in the morning on San Ysidro Boulevard is the epitome of our lives in the Peace Corps and our friendships which have continued throughout our lives. I reconnected with Phil and his Colombian wife Nohra in the Fall of 1976. I traveled to Milwaukee, WI to visit them as they lived there while Phil was in graduate school. Throughout these years our friendship with Phil, Nohra, Rosa my Colombian wife and myself has grown. We maintained communication and have visited each other in CA and Florida. In many conversations we have laughed, cried, wondered "how did we survive" and are astonished at the many adventurous episodes we have had in our lives. I cherish the friendship I have with Phil as I will always remember his smile and his laughter.
Sincerely,
Rosa and Gene " Gino" Nelson
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Katie Glauner
May 29, 2023
A donation has been made in memory of Dr. Farber by FIT's PsyD graduating class of 2023 student body and faculty. Dr. Farber was a beloved professor of ours and he is greatly missed.
Cindy Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy Russell
May 16, 2023
I had the great fortune for my son, Chad to marry Kristin Farber. Not only did I get an incredible daughter-in-law but her wonderful family. Being embraced by Phil and Nohra has been one of the great pleasures in my life. I am especially grateful for the extended time Phil stayed in California in 2021. He and had spent many hours listening to The Beatles while driving to spots to go walking - usually with dogs. His sense of humor and love of life made him such a pleasure to be around. I am also so happy I got to learn more about his time in the Peace Corps where he met Nohra. On one of their visits to California I was able to go with them to meet up with Eugene and Rosa. Eugene showed us around to the places he and Phil lived in San Ysidro while being trained for the Peace Corps. I posted a few photos from that trip as well as one Eugene sent me of Phil riding his bike during training.
Phil you are missed by so many but I feel your spirit and love of life with me everyday.
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Cindy "Deedo" Russell
May 16, 2023
Katie Merlini
May 13, 2023
I will forever feel lucky to have known Phil (which he insisted I call him that when I joined FL Tech). Beyond being brilliant, he was truly kind and would always make time to have a genuine conversation. I was surprised that such an esteemed faculty member outside of my program was interested how I was doing and would give me the time of day during a random hallway encounter. What a remarkable human. He has taught me such valuable lessons (probably without even realizing it) that I'll take with me for the rest of my life.
Amy Garcia (Plewinski)
May 13, 2023
It´s impossible to fully describe in words the impact Dr. Farber had on those around him. He was the most empathetic, kind, and genuinely happy person. For me, he wasn´t just my dissertation chair, teacher, or supervisor, but a mentor and friend that helped me become the person I am today. He wasn´t just invested in his students succeeding as psychologists, but also as becoming the best people we could be. The joy Dr. Farber had for life clearly came from his love for his family and friends. Often in our time together he would share about his adventures with Norah and his children and remind me that at the end of the day, the love and relationships we have is all that matters. Even during graduation just as we prepared for hooding, he talked about the fulfillment he had watching our relationships with friends and family flourish on a day of celebration.
Dr. Farber was a role-model, confidant, and friend in my life and the lives of each student he taught. His subtle but profound life lessons, pure happiness, and reminders to cherish the lives we live helped shape me into the person I am today. I´m grateful to have known him and will cherish memories of the funny, loving, and supportive Farbs.
Catalina Silva
May 9, 2023
It is impossible to express in a paragraph what Phil meant to us, especially to Diego, he was almost like a father figure to him. He's very saddened by the news and asked me to write a little memorial here on his behalf. There are countless memories with Phil, but we especially hold dear in our hearts all the time we spent at Nony's and Phil's house thorough the years. Every time Diego spent long periods of time there since he was a child. I also joined these visits in the last years and will always remember Phil for being such a kind heart, with a superior intelligence and great sense of humour. He was Diego's uncle but also felt like my own uncle since I met him. We would like our beloved ones to be eternal and never die, but unfortunately that's not how life works. His body may not be here with us anyomore but his soul, energy and memories will prevail for the years to come. Vuela alto Phil, muchas gracias por tu tiempo en esta tierra y por todo lo que aprendimos de ti todos los que tuvimos la fortuna de conocerte! - Diego and Cata (The photo was in the too cool cafe)
Mariana Juras
May 9, 2023
I wanted to share the moment of the 2023 Commencement devoted in memory of Dr. Farber: https://youtu.be/tz-13n7vH-k?t=18234
Unfortunately, I didn´t have the pleasure of meeting him in person, but I heard so many beautiful and funny stories about him!
I'm committed to bringing his memory alive as an appreciation for all he did before I joined Florida Tech!
Thank you, Dr. Farber!
Vanessa Edkins
May 8, 2023
Phil had such a huge heart. He was tirelessly supportive of students and colleagues. If you ran into Phil in the hall or at the copy machine, it would always turn into a conversation. 15 minutes later you´d be leaving a heart-to-heart that would put a smile on your face for the rest of your day or you´d have a sore stomach from laughing so hard. Either way, it was always a better day for having seen him.
Leonor Zies
May 7, 2023
My sincere condolences to Nohra, Kiki and Scotty. You had a wonderful Husband, Nohra, and Kiki and Scotty you had a great Dad. I will remember him fondly, specially his smile. Love to all of you, Leonor Zies
Esther Karpenkopf
May 6, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jessica Pike
May 4, 2023
So many beautiful words here by his adoring students and friends. I count myself lucky to have been among them. When the world seems harsh and heavy, something about Dr. Farber's memory and spirit just brings a lightness and humanity to it all. Plus he had this little chuckle that was one of my favorite laughs of all time. In a person like that, there is a light that never goes out. Thank you Dr. Farber for just being so dang cool, and thank you to his family for sharing a small piece of him with us and our community.
Pat&Rich Hall
May 4, 2023
We will remember Phil for his warmth and hilarious humor. We so enjoyed many a social event with him and Nohra and loved his stories. What a life he had!
Dave and Linda Grover
May 4, 2023
Fond memory´s of Phil and our condolences sent to your family.
The Grover Family
Trisha Ross
May 4, 2023
It´s hard to put into words how amazing of a man, of a human being, and of course a psychologist Dr. Farber was. For all us privileged enough to know him, we can reflect on how profound of an impact he made and how sorely he will be missed. I hope his family takes some comfort in knowing how far his wisdom and warmth stretched during his lifetime. I´m trying to explain to those that didn´t know him how amazing of a human and professor he was I cite some personal examples. I was fortunate enough to have him as a supervisor during my first year of seeing therapy clients. During that time, as a novice psychology doctoral student, I was grasping for concrete things that would make me a psychologist. I would ask him so many questions, doubt myself, overthink and over explain, and just when I was almost out of breath from talking he would lean back in his chair, legs crossed, tilt to one side, and smile. He would then address my millions of questions and remind me without belittling or minimizing my experience, of all the things I was doing correctly, of all the skills, knowledge and tools I had within me and point out all the things I was already doing right for my clients that I had failed to notice in myself. And he wasn´t just placating me, his advice and wisdom, but more importantly his confidence and support in me, was exactly what I NEEDED at that time. I didn´t need more tools, more worksheets, more therapy questions; all the concrete things I THOUGHT I needed I already had. I needed his genuine warmth, his relaxed demeanor and humor, and the confidence he had in me as a clinician, to develop myself as a budding psychologist. I am forever grateful and privileged to have not only learned from him, been mentored but also genuinely cared for as a human being by him. There are dozens more stories of my experiences with him that have shaped me both as a psychologist as well as a human being. As we say in the Jewish religion, may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. And I for one can certainly say I was so very blessed to know, learn, and grow because of him.
Cara Bortz
May 3, 2023
Some teachers truly leave the deepest impression for a life-time and this man...this man was one of those teachers. This man was nothing short of special. This man helped shape so many of my beloved friends and alumni that preceded me into the wonderful psychologists they are today. I cannot imagine a greater testimony to the richness of a life than the impact this man made and the hearts he touched and warmed.
He made every student feel seen, heard, and supported. He was there for a chat on the philosophy of life, to hear out your stress as you faced comprehensive exams, dissertation defenses, clinical proficiency exams, or internship matches; to give you an ear when you were going through something personal, and even to share a laugh about a lame joke you heard.
He was truly a gift, and I am a better psychologist, mother, friend, daughter, and citizen of the world because he was a part of my journey. You are so loved. You made such a profound impact.
You will be so deeply missed. Thank you, Dr. Farber.
Rebekah Travis
May 3, 2023
Dr. Farber taught "PsychoD" when I was at FIT and I was lucky enough to get to TA for him. Such a kind, brilliant man who influenced so many future psychologists. I loved just hearing him tell stories and share insights and he was always so genuinely interested in everyone.
FIT PsyD Class of 2013
Nicole Knox
May 3, 2023
Dr. Farber was my dissertation chair and an amazing mentor through my education in psychology. He was always so gentle, kind, and had a great sense of humor. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. I hope that his wife Nohra and his children and grandchildren all know just how much he loved each and every one of them. He was always so thankful for his family and the love in his life.
Thom Harrell
May 3, 2023
Phil was simply a kind and caring person. He cared about his family, his colleagues, his friends, and his students - who always recognized him as the supportive and nurturing man that he was.
Maria Fernanda Pinilla
May 3, 2023
Farewell dear uncle Phil,
This is enormous blessing joining the celebration of your life.
How do I put into words the pleasure to meet you?.
How special and refreshing was to talk to you and to joke with you but also those deep conversations about the meaning of life and death and the tricky addictions.
I realized now, dear Dr. Phil that probably you were another addict, you lived your life addicted to peace, love, jokes and laugh. Such a wise dude , such an intellectual hippie.
Thank you for your time here and for your warm touch. Death is indeed beautiful, I can feel it, makes us appreciate the real beauty, the real deal.
with love,
Mafe
David Wilder
May 3, 2023
I am very sorry to learn of Phil's passing. He was very kind and welcoming to me when I began working in the School of Psychology at Florida Tech in the early 2000s. I very much enjoyed interacting with him. I wish his family the best.
Jack
May 3, 2023
Dr. Farber was my dissertation chair, so needless to say he spent a large chunk of time with me (and my attempts to write statistics data). He was always kind, empathetic, and hilarious. His laughter was contagious and he always seemed to have something to say at just the right moment. He listened intently and you felt like what you were saying was important to him. Every student loved (groaned?) at his tradition of telling a joke when you were late to his class. I am thankful he was a part of my education, but also my life and I will never forget him. I feel honored to have worked with him, but also for the value he saw not only in me, but in my work and future as a psychologist.
Bill Gabrenya
May 2, 2023
Bill Gabrenya
May 2, 2023
Bill Gabrenya
May 2, 2023
Bill Gabrenya
May 2, 2023
In my first semester in the School of Psychology at Florida Tech, I shared a small office with Phil until the University gave me a desk in the corner of the building's photocopier room. Among the department's earliest faculty members, Phil and I shared the craziness of those early years and always planned to write a history of its difficult foundational events. One should write such memoirs now, as there may be no time later. My strongest memories of Phil were his great sense of humor and hearty laugh, often a sharp maudlin humor that lifted us in the most difficult times. We were so much younger then...
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