Obituary: James (Seamus) Joseph Farrelly, 85

Cody-White

MILFORD, CT - James (Seamus) Joseph Farrelly, 85, most recently a resident of South Yarmouth, MA, beloved husband of Sheila Farrelly, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13th. Born on August 1st, 1934 in Potahee, County Cavan, Ireland, he was the son of the late Sean and Rose Ann Farrelly.

Seamus grew up in Cavan, the oldest of nine siblings. He went on to attend St. Columban’s College in Dalgan Park, Co Meath. Seamus excelled on the Gaelic Football pitch, and in the classroom. A brilliant mind and endless capacity to learn, supported by a mantra to give nothing less than 100% effort. Traits that would follow him throughout his career. From there he joined the Columban Missionaries, and he spent several years in Japan as a young missionary, eventually earning a Master degree in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University. He left the Columbans in 1972 and eventually wound up in New York City, where he embarked on a second career in the insurance industry. Jim, as his professional friends and colleagues would come to know him, soon garnered the reputation in his professional field of always conducting business as a true gentleman, marrying his unparalleled work ethic with an unwavering commitment to integrity and respect for all of his colleagues. He was also known as an encyclopedia, of sorts. Whether it involved the interpretation of contract language or remembering the lineup of counterparties from contracts twenty years old…if you had a question, you knew where to turn. The relationships he forged throughout his career, but especially at Odyssey Re (previously Skandia America), would remain with him until his final days.

It was in New York City where Seamus eventually met Sheila, his loving wife of forty-two years. A group dinner at Neary’s on 57th Street, with some undertones of an arranged date, would lead to a marriage filled with love, spirituality, family and even some adventure. Seamus and Sheila grew together through their strong bond with their Catholic faith and a shared level of reverence to the relationships and support provided by their respective families. Seamus was a big fan of the arts, and he introduced Sheila to his love for classical music, particularly the opera. He had a fondness for photography that has been well documented in his treasure trove of photos and Kodachromes, most of which depict the happy times they spent with the friends and family they loved so dear.
After enjoying life together as a couple, including some time in Cincinnati, OH, exploring the local golf courses and midwest sushi houses, Seamus and Sheila moved back and settled in Westchester County, NY, where they welcomed their two sons, Sean and James. Seamus had already cemented his reputation as a loving husband and great friend and colleague, but fatherhood was yet another opportunity for Seamus to impact the lives of his family using the indelible characteristics he held so dear from youth. He loved his family unconditionally, and he showed this love through action and sacrifice. The examples are far too numerous to capture in totality, but the family understood one simple fact…Dad would be there. Whether shuttling the boys to sports or assisting with last-minute proofreading at 6AM, he was always there. No matter how seemingly trivial, he approached every task with passion and complete dedication, giving you the comfort that he was providing undivided attention and guidance. He remained heavily involved in the boys’ lives and worked tirelessly to guide them with the morals instilled in him through his strong faith and past life experiences. But Seamus’ actions will remain the strongest influence on his children, even above his wisdom on the attributes of good sushi and tolerable golf course etiquette. His love of family persisted until his final days, as he met and cherished his four granddaughters.
Seamus fought through a variety of ailments in most recent years with the same determination he exhibited throughout his life. He was cared for compassionately by his family, particularly his wife, Sheila, whose unwavering care allowed Seamus to live out his final years with the utmost dignity and grace, and his son, James.

Seamus will be remembered fondly by many. He will be missed by his loving wife, Sheila, their children, son Sean Farrelly and daughter-in-law Denise Farrelly, son Dr. James Farrelly, MD, and daughter-in-law Laura Farrelly, and four granddaughters, Corinne, Eden, Juliet, and Quinn. He will also be missed by his siblings, Bridget O’Rourke, Padraig Farrelly, Eileen Farrell, Rose Shaughnessy, Frank Farrelly, and Mary Bolderston, in addition to many nieces, nephews and family members. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Sean Farrelly and Ted Farrelly.
In light of the restriction in place due to the current pandemic, the family will not be having funeral services at this time. The family will have a memorial service to honor Seamus with the support of his family and friends once the current travel restrictions are lifted, and we will communicate the details at that time.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the following:
Missionary Society of St Columban https://columban.org/donate
Burke Rehabilitation https://www.burke.org/donate