WESTFIELD – Joseph William Farr, 53, of Westfield died peacefully Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Baystate Medical Hospital. Born in Westfield, Joe lived most of his life in Westfield except for the past two years when as a resident in an exceptional group home through Multicultural Services of the Pioneer Valley.Joe graduated from the Westfield Vocational Technical High School in 1978 where he also played basketball. Joe was an avid swimmer who enjoyed the Otis Reservoir, Great Lake Sacandaga and Nantasket Beach with a tube in hand. He went through Cub Scouts, Weoblos and Boy Scouts as he loved hiking through the woods. Joe was quite a drawer and enjoyed writing in journals and sending letters. Joe was a big fan of the Sox, the Pat’s, and the Celtics. He delivered the Westfield Evening News for several years as a youth and bowled in a program for those with physical and mental challenges in Westfield. He loved anything to do with the Beatles as well as antique, classic cars. Joe participated in Baroco’s Springfield Day Habilitation Program where he enjoyed music therapy, arts and crafts and community trips.
Joe is survived by his mother, Ethel Anne “Mickie” Farr; one brother, Matthew of Ward, Colorado and one sister, Dianne and her husband Mario Wawrzusin of Potomac, Maryland, and two nephews, Peter and Daniel Wawrzusin. Joe was predeceased by his father, Donald Farr in 2008 and by his sister, Eileen Farr Quinn in 2010. He leaves a large circle of extended family, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly and remember his big hearty laugh!
Joe’s family thanks all those human service professional staff who walked side by side with Joe on a daily basis. Your time, efforts and love were much appreciated. Joe was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield.
His funeral will be on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Donations may be made in his memory to Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA 01085.
