Richard "Chief" W. Farrell

His parents, William J. and Rose Mabel (Hopkins) Farrell welcomed their son into the world on January 28, 1932, at Ft. Sill Army Base in Lawton, Oklahoma. His father was stationed there while serving in the Army. Dick’s nickname was derived from his mother’s Native American heritage, a source of great pride throughout his life.

Dick received a bachelor degree in electrical engineering from the Valparaiso University in Indiana.

He served six years in the Navy during the Korean Conflict and in the early days of the Vietnam War. While serving his country, Dick was responsible for rescuing many imprisoned service men and women, suffering significant war wounds in the process. He became a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

As an electrical engineer, Dick’s professional life spanned many years. He worked with several companies including Amp Inc. in Harrisburg, PA. During his career, he earned a number of patents for his engineering designs.

In 1993, Dick and his wife Susan moved from Newtown, CT to Surry. His friends and relatives remember him as a “big presence” with a boisterous laugh, noted for stories about his life adventures--from early years on the plains of Oklahoma, to exploits in the Navy and beyond. He also enjoyed talking to young people, sharing stories and advice in equal measure. Dick loved to sing, often serenading his wife and friends. For many years, he was a member of the Keene Pops Choir.

In addition to his wife, Susan, Dick’s other loves were golf, fishing, flying and a glass of good whiskey. An avid golfer, Dick was a member and past member of the board of the NH Golf Association and was a longtime member of the Keene Country Club. Dick held his private pilot’s license and enjoyed piloting his Beech Bonanza. Through flying, he developed a great interest in meteorology and was fondly known by his wife as “Mr. Weather”. His favorite pastime was fishing, believing that more fish could be caught with an ample amount of Drambuie in one’s coffee.

He will be missed by many, especially his wife of 38 years, Susan (Sheetz) Farrell, of Surry; his daughter, Cheri Morrill and her husband Joseph "Hammer" Morrill, of Phoenix, AZ; a brother, Danny J. Farrell and his wife, Amy, of Stevensville, Montana; grandchildren, great grandchildren and the many in-laws, nieces and nephews who dearly loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge, NH. Black or somber colors optional, as Dick loved color.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Farrell’s memory to the Surry Volunteer Fire Department, 444 Route 12A, Surry, NH 03431; or to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.