Thomas J Farrell

FARRELL, THOMAS J. of Norwood formerly of Queens, NY passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025 in the AccentCare hospice center in Milton at the age of 88. Born on March 25, 1937 in New York, New York. Thomas remained a proud New Yorker at heart throughout his life, even after spending decades of his life in Massachusetts.

A graduate of Bishop Laughlin high school in Brooklyn with further studies in electrical engineering, Thomas built a remarkable career that spanned some of the most exciting chapters in American history. In the early 1960’s he contributed to the U.S. space program as part of the telemetry unit stationed on Grand Bahama Island during Alan Shepard’s historic suborbital flight- America’s first manned venture into space. His work continued with Lockheed in California before he settled into a long and distinguished tenure at Raytheon. There he worked on sonar systems and once had the rare opportunity to ride aboard a nuclear submarine from New Haven to the Bahamas- a testament to both his expertise and adventurous spirit.

Thomas also served his country with honor as a member of the military reserves during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. His company stood at attention for Queen Elizabeth II when she arrived for the Commonwealth Ball at the 7th Regiment Armory on Park Avenue on Oct 21, 1957.

Tom traveled widely both before and after marriage. He met his wife Ellen in San Jose California. They married and lived for a time in Europe before settling down in Norwood, MA. On August 14th of this year, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they raised 4 children: James Farrell, Christine Farrell-Riley MD, Eileen Famiglietti, and Maureen Bourne. He was the proud and devoted grandfather of TJ Famiglietti, Anthony Famiglietti, Hank Bourne, Flynn Riley and the late Frank Famiglietti. He could always be found cheering them on from the sidelines of their sporting events, no matter how cold the weather might have been.

Thomas was known for his sharp sense of humor. He was also proudly loyal to the Mets and Giants, teams he supported throughout his life. In retirement he and Ellen traveled quite a bit within the United States and abroad. Trips that included cruises in the Caribbean with his twin sisters (Maureen Garborino and Madeline Fontanelli). They also visited the Panama Canal. He especially enjoyed the trips to visit his daughter Maureen and grandson Hank in England.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 4-7pm at the Kraw Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA. A funeral home service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral home service at Highland Cemetery in Norwood. In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts 20 Commercial Drive, Suite One Wrentham, MA 02093 www.hospicefed.org/donations/?DONATIONS=2024017