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John Farr Obituary
John was born on March 2, 1941 in Waukegan, IL, to the late Clarence and Emma (Kotila) Farr. On May 12, 1990, John married the true love of his life, Catherine (Kuniski) Farr. She survives.
John was a 1959 graduate of Highland Park High School; he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Physics from Northwestern University and was awarded his PhD from the Pennsylvania State University.
John felt fortunate to have been a recipient of an Evans Scholars Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship for golf caddies; in recent years he served on the Western Pennsylvania Evans Scholars selection committee.
He began his career at the Penn State Beaver campus before transferring to the DuBois campus in 1972, where he was an assistant professor of physics until his retirement in 2003. John loved teaching and was awarded the "Educator of the Year Award" from the DuBois Educational Foundation in 1987. He encountered many students who in later years expressed their gratitude for the positive, lasting impact he had on their lives and careers.
Upon retiring, he and a friend embarked on an ambitious cross-country bicycling trip, dipping their rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean at San Francisco, and rolling their front wheels into the Atlantic Ocean, 8 weeks and 3,420 miles later in Virginia Beach.
John was a voracious, lifelong learner. He earned an associate degree in Wildlife Technology from PSU DuBois after retiring from teaching; he studied Spanish in Mexico and pursued opportunities to use the language whenever possible on trips in Mexico, Latin America and Spain. He and Cathy enjoyed their travels together, especially their many visits to US national parks, and European & Central American destinations. Their favorite cities included Paris and Venice, which inspired the names of their beloved cats.
John was passionate about helping others in meaningful ways, particularly through his tireless work to revive and sustain Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County, where his various roles included Board President, Construction Supervisor, and continual supporter and advocate. He undertook more than 20 yearly bicycle trips to raise funds in support of Habitat's mission. He also founded and organized the "King of the Mountain" bicycle race, an annual Habitat fundraiser.
Above all, he will be fondly remembered as a gentle soul and a true renaissance man.
His interests were many and varied, including bicycling, playing basketball, hiking, model trains and railroading, antique clocks, metal arts classes, crossword puzzles, traveling and reading. He especially enjoyed seeking out the best chocolate chip cookie, having a nice glass of wine, and sharing special times with family and friends.
In addition to his beloved wife, Cathy, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John Hershel Farr and Erin Thomas of State College; daughter Cynthia (Donald) O'Hora of Shamokin Dam; stepson Bill (Kelly) Hughes of State College; grandchildren Sebastian and Cadence Farr, James O'Hora, Jennifer (Brent) Prevratil; great-grandchildren Lilly and Jax Prevratil, and Ashley Haberman; brother Tom (Mary) Farr; brother- and sister-in law Joseph and Mary Kuniski; cousin Robert Sette; and nephews Daniel and Nic Farr, as well as the many friends whose lives he touched.
John's lifelong desire to help others continues upon his passing, as his tissue donation will impact more than 100 lives.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 12 p.m.�3 p.m. at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.
A private funeral service will be held.
Burial will take place in St. Catherine Cemetery.
Although flowers are appreciated, the family requests memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County (PO Box 463, DuBois, PA 15801) or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences can be sent to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Farr
Sponsored by Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium.
6 Entries
Tom Nelson
April 20, 2024
I suppose we are rarely if ever prepared for loss. As I opened the letter from Habitat for Humanity and realized what it said, shock was my first reaction followed by tears and a great sense of loss. I know we all have, hopefully, a monumental figure that comes into our lives at some point and guides us with their wisdom, friendship, kindness and infectious joy for learning and life. John was that person for me. We became fast friends when I arrived at the Dubois campus to enroll in the Wildlife Technology program. It was pick up basketball games that brought us together initially. He loved the game as much as I did and it was a joy to experience those games together.
He and I took a trip to camping to Baxter State Park in Maine in his VW truck. Little did I know, this experience would result in a life long love of Maine. Many years later my late wife, Hope, and I bought land and were trying to sell our home and move there. Sometimes life gets in the way of our dreams.
On a subsequent trip to a provincial park in Canada, we were driving at night crammed into the tiny truck and listening to the radio. They played the entire album, Jennifer Warnes "Famous Blue Raincoat"-we were both enthralled by it. I bought the CD and still listen to it all these years later. Memories flood my mind every time.
I was so happy my girlfriend, Nancy, had the chance to meet him last year during his Bike2Build ride. We met at the Power House restaurant along route 80 for a lovely dinner and conversation. I had been sharing memories of John with her for weeks-telling her of the impact he had on my life and what his friendship meant. John greeted her so warmly with a great hug and genuine kindness. She was so moved by him and happy to have met someone so important to me.
I could fill many, many pages with stories of John and other trips with Joe Hummer-another extraordinary person. They were a dynamic duo on a canoe trip in the wilderness.
With few exceptions, I can honestly say that John is the finest person I have had the privilege to know. I am the richer for it.
With great sadness,
Tom Nelson
former student and friend
Dick Witherite
February 27, 2024
As a non traditional student attending college in my late 40's John was an inspiration that I truly needed and one of the few genuinely nice people I have had the pleasure to meet
Ron Stojek Simpsonville, SC
February 26, 2024
Dear Cathy - I was saddened to read of John's death. He was a Man's Man & a guiding light to all he met. He, you and all of your fine family will be remembered in my daily Rosary. You have my deepest sympathy, Cathy.
Pat Hillebrand
February 24, 2024
There are no words to share that can portray John Farr, he was truly a legion for our time. He gave of himself endlessly to those in need and he did so in such a humble and kind way. He will be missed by so many and I feel so blessed to have shared a friendship with him for over 45 years. My prayers goes out to you Cathy and your family. Just as I loved him, I love you and am here for you.
jen
February 24, 2024
My heart goes out to Kathy. He was the campus Santa for local children in the late 1980s, and also had a fun sense of humor. He will be missed by many. Paz Contigo. ~jen c.
Beth Fulesday Hallstrom
February 24, 2024
This is horrible, terrible news and a loss too much to bear for all those whose lives John touched. I worked with him on the HFH board and King of the Mountain. He was so devoted and caring to all our families. He truly believed in Habitat´s mission! He was one of those linchpin people who forge connections and keep the community on the right path. How can it be done without you, John? You were sincerely loved and you will be sorely missed.
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