DOUG FARRELL

FARRELL DOUG Age 72, on September 29, 2023, passed away peacefully, after an inspiring journey with multiple myeloma, for many, many years. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, Kate (nee O'Hagan); his loving children, Andy (Maureen), Bridget (Steve), and Michael; and his adoring grandchildren, Jack and Maggie Farrell, and Doug and Bridget Mead. He is also survived by his brother Larry (Donna) Farrell, sister Susan Young, and numerous nieces and nephews. Doug arrived in Philadelphia in 1977 at St. Mary Hospital in Fishtown, where he met his future bride. He went on to establish his podiatric practice in Delaware County- offering his healing hands and positive personality to so many. Doug was rooted in multiple communities, raising his family in Overbrook Farms and Longport, NJ, and participating in his children's lives at Waldron Mercy Academy and St. Joe's Prep. His unexpected early retirement in 2006 allowed Doug a second act. He perfected his Irish tenor voice, singing at many Irish parties and performing the national anthem on Hawk Hill. He honed his underwater photography by traveling often to St. John, USVI, and practiced his pottery skills, creating beautiful works of art. Further, he was a dedicated friend to the Longport lifeguards and was faithful to his love of daily ocean swimming. Inspired by his passions, Doug also published two children's books. He raised over one hundred thousand dollars for blood cancer research and, in 2019, was honored with the Resilience Award by the International Myeloma Foundation. Doug loved to perform and, with the help of dear friends, introduced the Crosswalk Musical to Longport, NJ, performing as Mary Poppins, Maria Von Trapp, and the Beast. The most important thing Doug knew was that relationships matter. And no relationship mattered more to Doug than what he built with his four precious grandchildren. Whether supporting them in their sports and activities or accompanying them on Disney trips, he shared his incredible childlike wonder with them and always led with his heart. Family and friends will be received 8:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 6, until his Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. in Old St. Joseph's Church, 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, 19106. Contributions in his name can be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society of Eastern PA - Delaware, P.O. Box 22467, New York, NY 10087-2467, or on-line at www.lls.org/donate. (O'LEARY FH www.olearyfuneral .com)