Richard John "Rich" Farrell

A Tribute to Richard “Rich” Farrell by Dr. Joe Saviak Richard John “Rich” Farrell was a son, husband, father, brother, student and alumnus of mine, former co-worker, close friend, and brother in Christ. He stepped forward into eternity this weekend into the personal presence and everlasting love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a battle with lung cancer. He was goal-oriented earning his bachelor’s degree while in his 50s in 2010. We enjoyed many memorable conversations in class, and I looked forward to when he would stop by my office on campus to talk. He was held in high regard by his classmates and all of our colleagues on campus. Rich was wise, kind, humble, generous, caring, reflective, and patient with and compassionate towards others. He had a gift for listening, sharing valuable counsel with others, and gifting you with a profound truth about life. He was admired and respected for his faith, love of family, integrity, intellect, and ability to fix anything. He was a mentor and positive influence on so many others. He was deeply devoted to his amazing wife Patti and two sons we all would hope to have Darrell and Caleb. Caleb preceded him into heaven in 2017 after a long and brave fight with cancer. So strong was Caleb's testimony shared at his own service that we watched other young people commit their lives to Christ that day in our church. I will be forever grateful that God gave me the gift of knowing Rich Farrell and having him as a student and good friend. We spent time together on a recent Sunday afternoon which gave me the opportunity to tell him how much we loved him and the exceptional and enduring impact he had on the lives of so many others including mine. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patricia “Patti” Farrell; son, Darrell Farrell of St. Augustine; adopted son, Jacob Farrell and adopted daughter, Ellie Farrell, both of Interlachen; stepdaughters, Ginger Pierce and Crystal Steeves, both of St. Augustine; brother Thomas Farrell (Debbie) of Dawsonville, Ga.; a nephew, Christopher Farrell of Georgia and grandchildren, Hayley Steeves, Ashley Pierce, and Gabriel “Gabby” Brower, Hayden Tout, Trenton Tout all of St. Augustine. A celebration of Rich’s life with military honors will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Good News Church Wildwood with Pastor Smiley Sturgis officiating. Please remember the Farrell family in prayer during this time. They are very special to our family and so many of us in our community and church surround them in love and support. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard John "Rich" Farrell

December 23, 1954 - August 10, 2024