James J. Farrell
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
1934 - 2026
OBITUARY
James J. Farrell “Billy”- beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones March 5, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born on August 10, 1934, Billy was the second child to James (1960) and Anne (1995) (nee Masterson), born in Manhattan. At the age of nine months Billy and his older brother Edward (2015) were sent to Ireland to be raised by his maternal grandmother, Bridget Masterson and his Masterson uncles. At age 14 Billy returned to America and was reunited with his family.
Billy attended Saint Edward’s School in County Longford, Ireland and Power Memorial High School in Manhattan. Billy entered the United States Army in January, 1955 and served honorably until his discharge on August, 1963.
In 1954, Billy’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life Mary “Mai” Walsh through Mai’s cousin. On January 17, 1959, they were married in Saint Mary’s Church, Woodside. In the 67 years of devoted marriage that followed Billy and Mai had eight children: Cathy, James, Deirdre, Liam, Paul, Maureen, Neil and Claire.
In addition to being a cherished father, Billy was also beloved as the leader of our clan that has 20 grandchildren: Keiran, Ryan, Brenna, Elizabeth, Madeleine, Sinead, James, Gerard, Liam, Laura, Tara, Paul (PJ), Shannon. Jack, Nicole, Taylor, Emily, Olivia, Caroline and Joseph and 10 great-grandchildren: Hunter, Mason, Rowan, Noah, Lucas, Vale, Fallon, Tucker, Brogan and Quinn, with three more due later this year. Billy is also survived by his brother Raymond and sister Anne “Cookie” both residing in Florida and his sisters-in-law, Patsy and Helen “Lilly” both residing in Athlone, Ireland.
Billy’s warm smile, gentle manner and sharp wit will be profoundly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Billy loved music and would sing and tap his foot to all types of music especially Irish, country and oldies. Billy’s life consisted of a devotion to his loving wife Mai and his ever-growing family, always looking to help around the house and never missing family events.
Billy’s family takes comfort in knowing that he now rests with God and his spirit will live on in the many people he shaped, supported, and loved. We know how lucky we were to have him in our lives.
VISITATION
Monday, March 9 3:00 - 8:00 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, March 10 10:45 AM St. Sebastian R.C. Church 58-02 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377
INTERMENT
Calverton National Cemetery 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY