Bob was a long-time resident of Paoli, Pennsylvania. He was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on November 15, 1957, to David Robert Farrow Sr. and Thea Mae Machamer Farrow. He graduated from Great Valley High School in 1976. Bob went on to establish a long successful career as a carpenter, primarily during his time working for Henry W. Farrow & Sons over 35 years.
Bob was born a little after the launch of the first satellite into space, so his early childhood nickname was Sputnik. He grew up on Devon Road in Paoli, before moving with his mother and brother to Manor Road in his early 20’s. Bob learned about the residential construction business at the firm started by his grandfather Henry, before striking out on his own as an independent master carpenter.
Bob enjoyed cooking and especially baking (but was considerably less interested in the cleanup. Hey, who can blame him.). He always made big batches of meringue cookies around Christmas time to give as gifts. He was a maker; he made big beautiful bookcases for both his nieces and Christmas decorations and ornaments for friends and family.
Christmas was his favorite time of year; he would drive around in his little red truck dressed as Santa, delivering holiday cheer and presents to friends and for Toys for Tots. He loved to spoil his nieces at Christmas with elaborately wrapped presents, but he sealed them with duct tape so they would “have to work for them”.
Prior to his stroke in 2017, everyone agreed that Bob had the gift of gab. He was a talker, and his thoughts, observations and opinions led to some fascinating conversations. After his stroke Bob worked at his recovery very hard and was “definitely getting better”. Working a job was difficult at first after his stroke, but he eventually landed work at Paoli Hardware and then eventually Benner & Sons. Bob had great working experiences at both.
Bob could get a little ornery at times, but he didn’t hold a grudge very well. And he was always willing to help. If you asked Bob for help you got it. He doted on his mother and cared for her after health problems piled up in her later years.
Bob was a bit of a gearhead. He always had a project car or truck that he would be working on. He loved going to local car shows, where he would see many of his friends. He was frequently seen (and heard) driving around Paoli in his red convertible pickup truck hot rod.
Bob was very enthusiastic about the Farrow and Machamer family histories. He spent many happy hours researching and documenting his findings.
Bob was preceded in death by both his parents. Bob is survived by his brother, Rich, his sister-in-law, Kate, his nieces, Clare and Emily, his stepmother, Mary, his stepbrothers Carl, Chris, and Brian and their spouses and children.
A visitation and memorial service are planned for December 19, 2022, at 10 am at Alleva Funeral Home (1724 E. Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301). Everyone is welcome.
In lieu of flowers or donations in Bob’s name, please do something really nice for someone. Bob would have liked that, and since he’s no longer around we’ll need to pick up his slack.
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