John H. Farrell, 89, of Holliston, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025. Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Helen (Downes) and Daniel Farrell. He was the husband of 66 years to Jean P. (Lazaro) Farrell of Holliston.
Jack (as he was known to his family and friends) grew up in Waltham, MA, where he loved to play sports and help at his father’s laundry business. Waltham High School is also where he met his sweetheart and future wife, Jean. At Waltham High, Jack was a standout ice hockey player who caught the eye of Jack Riley, the longtime ice hockey coach at West Point Military Academy (and the future 1960 Olympic team coach). He was a top scorer for Coach Riley, playing 4 years of varsity hockey at West Point. He also loved learning and received a degree in engineering from West Point Military Academy.
Upon graduation from West Point, he married Jean and served as a lieutenant in the US Army. Following active duty in Germany, Jack moved to Holliston, Massachusetts, where he and his wife lived for over 60 years and where they raised their three children. He obtained his master’s degree and worked as an engineering project manager and department head at The Foxboro Company (now Schneider Electric) in Foxborough, Massachusetts, until his retirement in 1997.
Jack was an avid golfer and loved hockey and baseball. He enjoyed playing golf and downhill skiing with friends and family. His golf highlights included scoring a hole-in-one three times. He was a big sports fan, following the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, and PGA golf tournaments. He helped set the stage for others to enjoy sports and develop leadership and team skills by playing an instrumental role in establishing Holliston Youth Hockey programs and later assisting with coaching both youth and high school hockey programs in Holliston during the 1960s and 1970s.
In retirement, his grandkids brought him great joy. He relished seeing them enjoying their favorite activities. A very proud Grampa, he loved extolling the virtues of his grandkids and being able to witness their growth into early adulthood. He loved his family and was immensely proud of each of his children and grandchildren and felt fortunate to have shared over 70 years together with his wife Jean. Throughout his life, he quietly performed many kind acts in an understated way. Beneath his serious demeanor, he could also make you laugh or smile, and he often put others at ease with a funny line or self-deprecating humor.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by three children, Lisa F. Wilk of Millis, Sean E. Farrell and his wife, Katharine, of Woodstock, CT, and Thomas J. Farrell and his wife, Pam, of Holliston. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Jake, Jessie, Sam, and Stephanie Farrell. He leaves behind his sister, Mary Cutter, and is predeceased by his siblings, Robert Farrell, Joanne Farrell, and Barbara Cummings.
A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or Homeless Veterans Shelters, or other charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com
