Richard J. Farley

Farley, Richard J. GREEN ISLAND Richard "Rick" J. Farley, 71, formerly of Rensselaer, died Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. after a long, courageous and upbeat battle with kidney disease. Rick was born in Albany and was the son of the late Richard J. and Julia Molnar Farley, Sr. He was raised in Rensselaer and graduated from St. John's High School. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran from 1961-64. He graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a B.A. in economics and later received his law degree from Albany Law School where at graduation he received a standing ovation from his law school classmates. Rick was assistant counsel to the New York Senate Majority when it was under the leadership of Senator Warren M. Anderson. He was responsible for labor, racing and pension matters, and as such, he dealt with some of the most contentious issues and colorful characters in the Capitol. Rick only added to the theatrics of this productive era of state government with his wit and wisdom. He was highly respected by his governmental colleagues and the lobbying community. After his service to the senate majority, Rick was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Labor & Industry within the New York State Department of Labor during the administration of Governor George Pataki. Rick deftly handled many complex assignments and was recognized as the "honest broker" by the leadership of such organizations as the New York State AFL-CIO and The Business Council of New York State. Early in his career, Rick served as Deputy County Attorney for Rensselaer County Executive Bill Murphy. Rick loved spending time with his family and friends, loved to read, and was passionate about horse racing, politics and sports for which, as they say, "he was sometimes wrong but never in doubt." His greatest joy, however, came from his grandchildren. He is the beloved father of Nelson J. Farley of Watervliet and Margaret M. (John) Gloss of Frederick, Md.; proud grandfather of Kristin Farley, John and Connor Gloss; dear brother of Kathleen "Kathy" (Vincent) McArdle of Albany. He was married to the late Trudy Nelson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. His funeral mass will be Saturday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Spring & Pawling Avenue in Troy. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet on Friday, May 30 from 4-7 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. John's/St. Ann's Outreach Center, 88 Fourth Avenue, Albany, NY 12202. Condolence book is available at ParkerBrosMemorial.com