Obituary of Robert Donald Farley

Robert Donald Farley, 83, of Darien, CT, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, after a long illness. Bob was born in Oneida, NY, on August 14, 1941, the eldest child of Donald and Marian Sawner Farley. He was raised in Clark Mills and Rome, NY. Bob attended high school at St. Aloysius Academy in Rome. He completed a degree in physics at Fordham University and subsequently earned a law degree from Georgetown University, where he was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from law school, he worked as an associate at Dewey Ballantine in New York City. Bob later served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps before returning to the private sector. His exceptional legal talents led to a distinguished career, working first for Esterline Corporation and then Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, from which he retired in 2007. Bob had a generous spirit and was always thinking of, providing support to and looking out for others. This applied to his direct and extended family, to whom he was deeply devoted, his co-workers, his friends and local charitable organizations. Bob positively impacted so many people with whom he interacted and will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, humility, strength, integrity, and sense of humor. Bob's greatest passion was music and he felt most at home while "tickling the ivories." An accomplished musician, he played the piano from an early age, taking after his father, a lifelong saxophone player. Bob served as church organist during his high school and university years at parishes in New York and Washington, D.C. In his later years, he enjoyed performing at home on his Steinway grand for friends and family along with his cousin, Mike O'Rourke. Born with perfect pitch, Bob sang with choral groups throughout his life including, most recently, the Fairfield County Chorale. He is survived by his son, Jonathan Farley of New York, NY, from his first marriage to Jennifer McCord; his sister, Jean Schumitz (John) of Locust Grove, VA; eight nieces and nephews; 17 great nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Lou Harrington, and his brother, Donald William Farley. A remembrance gathering in honor of Bob will be held at Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT, on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 10:30 am, followed by interment at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob's name to Person to Person, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 or Open Doors, 4 Merritt Street, Norwalk, CT 06854.