GRAFTON: Charles R. Farrell Jr., 80, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family May 31, 2023. He leaves his wife Shirley (Cote) Farrell, his children Sheila Shute, Stephen Farrell and his wife Christina, Kevin Farrell and his wife Elizabeth, his sisters June Farrell and Lynn Stzuka and her husband John and his brother Mark Farrell and his wife Olga. He also leaves his grandchildren Jacqueline, Annemarie and Abigail Shute, Kylie, Thomas, Emma, Audrey and Madison Farrell and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Jane Cassidy and son-in-law David Shute.
Charles was born June 12, 1942 in Worcester, son of the late Anne F. (Scales) and Charles R. Farrell, Sr. His roots were in Worcester and he lived in Grafton for many years where he and his wife of 58 years Shirley raised their family. He attended Fitchburg State College where he earned his Bachelors (1965) and Master’s Degree (1966). While at Fitchburg State he played Ice Hockey and was a member of the LFS Gaveleer Society where he formed lifelong friendships that lasted until his passing. Charles was a teacher of Industrial Arts and Engineering Graphics in the Town of Ashland at both the Middle and High School levels having earned a dual certification. He was selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 5 times over his career. In addition to teaching, he coached both Football and Golf. Throughout his 38 years, he touched many students’ lives and was always proud to see them achieve success.
Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed many activities including golfing, fishing, woodworking, and camping, but was happiest when his family was together for any reason. While his family was young, they enjoyed vacations on the Cape and later in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. One of his favorite experiences was a 3-month camping trip across the country with his wife and children in the summer of 1978, where they visited several National Parks and created many lasting memories. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending quality time with his wife on scenic drives, working on their model railroad, raising fish in their aquariums, woodcarving with his granddaughter, and most of all his John Deere Tractor.
All are welcome to gather with Charles’s family and friends Wednesday June 7th from 4pm to 7pm at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday June 8th at 11am at St. Mary’s Church 17 Waterville St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. He will then be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Grafton. In lieu of flowers please honor Charles with a donation to the American Cancer Society at www.Cancer.org. or The American Diabetes Association at www.Diabetes.org.