James E. Farley

NEWBURYPORT – James E. Farley, 97, formerly of Haverhill, died peacefully on Sunday, September 22 at Benchmark at Haverhill Crossings in Haverhill. He was a beloved husband, father and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Born in Haverhill on November 6, 1926 he was the son of Thomas and Katherine (Ireland) Farley. James was a graduate of St. James High School, Class of 1944. After graduation he joined the United States Navy and served with Fleet Air Wing 4 and 6 during WWII. He was later recalled to active duty for the Korean conflict in 1950, serving two tours overseas aboard the USS Mt. McKinley. Afterwards he sought out higher education and graduated from Merrimack College with a degree in accounting. James was employed by the Haverhill Gas Company (later National Grid) from 1948 – 1992, retiring as Division Manager. James married Patricia (Sullivan) of Haverhill in 1954. They moved to Newburyport in 1957 to raise their four children. They shared a wonderful life together and along with enjoying tennis, golf, and wooden boats, his life was strongly rooted in giving back to his community. He volunteered for several years for the Merrimack Valley United Fund and was the past president of Local 12082 of the United Mine Workers of America from 1962 – 1966. He was a 25 year member of the Old Town Country Club, serving as president in 1970 and 1971. James was a longtime member of the Lone Tree Council Boy Scouts of America, serving as council president for two terms and receiving the Silver Beaver Award in 1981. Rom 1978 until 1984, he served as a member and chairman of the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority. James is survived by his sons Thomas F. Farley and his wife Courtney of Barnstead, NH and James E. Farley of Amesbury; and his daughters Anne Marie Zanfagna and her husband James of Plaistow, and Katherine T. Farley of Plaistow. He also leaves behind his sister Mary Ann Rand and her husband George of Haverhill, and granddaughter Sarah Addorisio and her husband Michael of Fremont, NH, great grandchildren Christopher Addorisio and his wife Gaybriel of Epping, NH, Jessica Addorisio of Freemont, NH and Sydney Addorisio, and his great great grandchildren Charlotte Addorisio and Piper Addorisio of Epping, NH. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia Farley of Newburyport, granddaughter Jacqueline Zanfagna of Plaistow, brother Rev. Thomas F. Farley of Maine, and sister Jane Connolly of Milton. ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, September 27 at 12:00PM at the Immaculate Conception Church, 42 Green Street, Newburyport. Burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Newburyport. Arrangements are in the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com