Richard James Farinelli
Richard James Farinelli
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Richard Farinelli Obituary
Rich faced significant health challenges over the years and met each one with strength and determination. "A man is not measured by the battles he wins, but by the battles he is willing to fight."
His love of historical reenactment began at age 14 and continued throughout his life. In recent years, Rich was especially dedicated to portraying members of the Grand Army of the Republic, taking great pride in honoring the memory and sacrifices of Civil War veterans. His favorite place- where he felt truly at home- was Gettysburg, PA, a landscape he cherished for its historical significance, a gathering place to share stories, sing, and laugh with his friends and for its sense of peace.
Rich was a lifetime collector of military artifacts and was happiest when surrounded by friends who shared his love of history, storytelling and camaraderie. Rich considered the lifelong friends he reenacted with not just companions, but his true family. Among his many talents, Rich was an exceptional woodworker and craftsman, creating pieces with remarkable skill, patience and love. He was also a gifted artist who specialized in painting and detailing military figures- an art form that combined his creativity with his love of history. In his younger years, Rich was also an outstanding hockey player, known for his skill, determination, and competitive spirit on the ice.
Rich's reenacting family remained his greatest passion, but he also treasured the unexpected joy he found in being a grandfather.
Rich is survived by his mother, Florence Farinelli, along with family and many loved ones who remember him with deep affection. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Farinelli.
"In the end, it is not the years in life that matter, but the life in the years." (Abraham Lincoln)
A Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5125 Grandview Road, Hanover, PA 17331.
Donations or contributions can be made to the American Battlefield Trust at www.battlefields.org/give/memorial-special-occasion-gifts
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Richard James Farinelli, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Kelly Seitz
December 9, 2025
Florence- I am so sorry for your loss. Richard and you have always been in my thoughts. Prayers to get you through this.
Dave Urbanski
December 1, 2025
Rich, during the war of aggression we shot at each other HA, Then in WW2 we froze together. See you sometime, and we will march the weary mile together again. Love ya brother Dave Urbanski
Jen Frenkil
November 30, 2025
Rip Richy
We will miss you !
Prayers always for you his shattered Mom
Flo My Forever Friend Amen
Please trust that in 1965,when Richard first Blinked up at Flo and Rich Sr
He found His Forever Love of His Parents
Honor Mother and Father and The Man of Gid The he grew To be He always Did
And He loved bragging or was super protective of You
Nicholas and Christopher and prayers for
Left Behind Brother : Michael and Karen
In deepest sympathy we come together
A family/ Close circles that pray together always stay together
This we will do
We are here for all. , Day or night
Come Rain or Come Shine Sweetie
( Flo)
All will Heal
Les Barnett
November 30, 2025
Rich, I will always remember you as my best friend. I will always remember our time together when I would come to visit you and we would drive through the Battlefield at Gettysburg as we had many times before. But, you always were able to show me some new monument or placard or statue that I had not seen yet. These were wonderful times for me. Really, some of the best times of my life. When I think of you, as I often do, I can still see your smile, be at ease with your good nature, and laugh at your wonderful sense of humor. But, what I'll remember most is your amazing knowledge about History and particularly, The Civil War. I can't remember a time when you didn't have the answer to any question that somebody would ask you. I'm going to have a hard time moving ahead without you, buddy. You were one-of-a-kind and I will miss you very much. Your Old Pal, Les.
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