Edward Farrell

FARRELL - Edward Aloysius. On January 2, 2021, Edward Aloysius Farrell loving husband, father, and Papa, passed away at the age of 81. Ed was born on March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, the first son of Edward and Marian Farrell. Ed was one of fourteen children, and attended St. Mary Star of the Sea & Bishop Loughlin High School. He received a full scholarship to play basketball for George Washington University, where he earned his B.S in Physical Education, and his Master's degree in Education. He married the love of his life, Susan Marie Burney, on August 28, 1965, at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. They raised three daughters, Beth, Kim, and Tricia, in Valley Stream, New York. Ed taught PE and Health at Lawrence Junior High School for 35 years, as well as coaching many sports, but he is best known for coaching boys' basketball. He had a lifetime record of 318 wins and 63 losses, including an unbeaten streak of 57 wins, but was most proud of the positive impact he had on so many of his students. Letters and emails of thanks and gratitude poured in through the years, and he treasured each one. He retired in June, 2000, and in September of that year, he went back and taught PE classes at Molloy College, where his impact continued for a new group of students. His positive affirmations are remembered by all who knew him "Who's better than you NOBODY!", "Positive attitude, positive results", and "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice" are just a few of his more popular mantras. He loved his life, was passionate about teaching, and told everyone he was 'the luckiest man in the world.' He loved well, and was well-loved. Ed is survived by his loving wife Susan, his daughters and sons-in-law - Beth, Jay, Kim, Alex, Tricia, and Ken, and his eleven grandchildren - Jake, Kim, Susannah, Caroline, Jack, Luke, Emily, Lily, SanSan, Sophie, and Sam. He will also be missed by his 9 living siblings John, Mike, Joan, Fran, Joe, Jim, Stephen, Monica, and Marian, and his 36 nieces and nephews. We will celebrate Ed's life sometime this summer, when we can safely travel and return him to the place he loved best, New York.