Obituary of James F Farley

James F. Farley, a retired Engineer for Marshalls, passed away on Wednesday evening, April 18, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years old. James was born in Boston, the son of Frederick and Helen Farley. He grew up in the West End of Boston. Jim was a graduate of Boston Technical High School and later a graduate of Northeastern University Class of 1958. Jim started his own construction company, Constantino and Farley Company. He worked as a general contractor then took a position as an engineer/project manager for the Marshalls Department Stores. Jim worked on the building and renovation of the stores and other facilities all over the country. During Marshall’s huge expansion years, he regularly flew out to the West Coast on Monday morning and returned home on Thursday night. One of more interesting projects was the Marshall’s store built in the Mall of America. He managed contractors, construction crews, engineering issues, and any other concern that might slow down, hinder, or escalate construction costs. After 25 years with Marshall’s, he retired at the age of 62. Because Jim traveled so much during the week, he was happy to spend his time with his family and working around his home. Over the years, he built additions to his home with some forced labor from his children. During those projects, the family chipped in on everything from the foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and all the finish work. When he needed an extra sets of hands, all his children were called upon. For example, when he was framing the exterior walls, even his daughters and wife were on hand to raise the walls into position. Construction was more of a labor of love for him, than his children. He always had projects going at his home, it was a 53 year ongoing renovation. He also served as General Contractor and head laborer at the homes of his children. If they needed assistance or something fixed, he was always there for them. Jim was a man who was dedicated to his family. His wife of 55 years, Mary, was his soulmate, best friend and love of his life. They raised their family in Burlington together, and loved the time they spent together no matter where it was. They enjoyed spending time in their backyard gardening or just relaxing and planning their next project. Jim and Mary also loved to travel, the memories of their trips to Hawaii leaving a special place in their hearts. They would spend several weeks in Mexico with close friends and cruised through Europe and the Caribbean enjoying every moment they spent together. As a father, he was strong, encouraging, understanding and someone that his children could always look up to. He loved being a part of their lives from infancy to adulthood. Being retired, when all of his twelve grandchildren were growing up, gave him the time to be present at all their activities, sports, and interests. He was his grandkids biggest and proudest fan and attended countless football, basketball, and hockey games, track meets, cheerleading events, drama club plays, and graduations. He appreciated each grandchild for their special qualities, virtues, and gifts. Jim was a huge Notre Dame Football fan and had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Bend, Indiana with his family not once but twice to see his beloved “Fighting Irish” and experience firsthand all the excitement and fervor associated with Notre Dame’s football aura. He had a great life with no regrets and his memory and spirit will always remain in the hearts and minds of all his family. Jim was the beloved husband of Mary Louise (Cottle). Loving father of James Farley & wife Leigh, Kathleen Farley, Kelly Mullen & husband Richard all of Burlington, Christopher Farley & wife Elizabeth of Reading, Kimberly Payne & husband Richard of Braintree and Kasey Phillips & husband Christopher of Mansfield. Proud grandfather of Brendan, Shane, Logan and Shaelyn Farley, Erin, Ellie & John O’Sullivan, Alex Deacon, Hayden & Haley Payne and Brody & Cooper Phillips. Brother of the late Frederick Farley, Frances Sampson, Christine Tringale & Helen Johnson. Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt., 128/95 Woburn side) on Tuesday, April 24 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorials in Jim’s name may be made to People Helping People, PO Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803