Robert V. Farren

Robert Vincent Farren was born October 22, 1938, in Queens, NY, to the late John J. Farren and Mary V. Farren (nee Collins). He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Carol Farren (nee Polek), children Eileen, Robert (Patricia), and John (Sarah-Doe), and grandchildren Danielle, James, Oona and Niamh. He was preceded in death by his sister Kathleen and brother John.
Bob was a graduate of St. John's Prep and Fordham University. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school and was honorably discharged in 1960. He joined the NYPD in 1961 and retired as Lieutenant in 1993. He was a proud member of the Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band. He marched in many parades and played the bagpipes at many family events over the years such as his children's weddings. Irish culture was important to him, and he visited Ireland many times to see relatives from the old country. He instilled a love of Ireland in his children. They were led in singing rebel songs by the Wolfe Tones, and ate Dublin broil (never London broil). Reeboks were strictly forbidden!
Always a talented artist, his love of painting was rekindled after his retirement. He created many watercolors, some of which have been shown locally, and others of which hang on his children's walls. The arts were important to him, and he was an avid reader and music lover. There was always ahalf-read stack of books from the local library on his coffee table. He would talk for hours about whatever he was reading at the moment.
Bob had a special talent for telling stories, and would always oblige his family's constant requests to hear tales of the old days in Queens and on the NYPD. He even agreed to his children's request to have a written copy of some of his stories, with titles including the Rooming House, and Amby's Eye.
He believed in giving back to the community, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.
Bob loved spending time with his family, both immediate and extended. He was supportive of his children's athletic and artistic endeavors, attending Little League games, CYO basketball games, lacrosse games, swim meets, and loud rock shows in tiny, smoky clubs. Throughout his life he made the trek to Long Island for all major holidays to spend time his sister and niece and nephews. More recently, he was devoted to his four grandchildren, who knew and loved him as Pop-Pop.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Meals on Wheels Rockland (https://mowrockland.org/donate/) or the charity of your choice.