Edward Philip Farley

1939 - 2023

Edward Philip Farley

Sept. 19, 1939 - Dec. 13, 2023

NAPLES, FL - Edward Philip Farley died peacefully in Naples, FL, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, after 84 years of sharing warmth, wisdom and laughter with all who knew him. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family.

Phil, born September 19, 1939, was the youngest of Donald and Alice Farley's six children. He was raised in Madison, WI, where he graduated from Edgewood High School. He went on to study at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. While there he formed many lasting friendships and became a lifelong fan of the Fighting Irish. He was a member of the Army ROTC and, after graduation, was commissioned an officer and stationed at Ft. Myer, Arlington, VA (ret. First Lieutenant).

In 1962, he married fellow Madisonian and love of his life Dorothy (Koltes), who he affectionately called by her childhood nickname Chidie. After serving in the U.S. Army, the couple returned home where Phil joined his father's asphalt company. He soon realized a vocation in banking and embarked on a successful career that brought him from Wisconsin to Michigan. He successfully led branches and regions as President and Chief Executive Officer but liked nothing more than building relationships and mentoring his people. Eventually he was called to the corporate headquarters of Old Kent Bank in Grand Rapids, MI, retiring as Executive Vice President overseeing the company's trust department. Wherever his career took him, he gave back. He served as a board member of St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids, participated in the Rotary Club and supported charities like the Ronald McDonald House.

Phil was a devoted father and husband who loved spending time with family, whether sharing a meal or a movie, watching a game or taking a road trip. He enjoyed taking long swims in Lake Michigan. And he traveled the world from the Bahamas to Bavaria, from Beijing to Blarney Castle and countless other sights. He was an avid golfer and, at Kent Country Club in Grand Rapids, MI, he joined the .01% of players to score a hole-in-one. It was an achievement, he was quick to point out, that was sandwiched between two bogies.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Dorothy Farley; his children: Ellen (Frank) of Naples, FL, Edward Philip II (Margo) of Arlington, VA, Bridget (Richard) of Morristown, NJ, Timothy (Barbara) of St. Louis, MO, and Gregory (Rose) of Grosse Pointe, MI; and also his lucky 13 grandchildren who will miss his gentle humor and affectionate hugs.

Phil was a deeply faithful Catholic, generous and kind. He left us during the season of Advent, a time of waiting. And we, his loved ones, take that as a call to reflect on the incredible gift that was every moment we shared.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament, 2116 Hollister Ave., Madison, WI.

Contributions may be made, in Phil's memory, to Avow Hospice at 1095 Whippoorwill Ln, Naples, FL, 34105, www.avowcares.org.