Obituary of P. Ward Farrell

Paul “Ward” Farrell, passed away peacefully at his home in West Hartford, CT on Thursday, August 31st, 2023. Born August 8th, 1933, to Paul and Helen Ward Farrell in Fitchburg, Mass. Ward graduated from Saint Bernard’s High School and went on to study at the University of Ottawa and UMass. 

Ward and his family later settled in Manchester, CT in 1970, where he eventually ended a long and successful career in Sales with decades at The Hartford Courant. 

A history buff, Ward traveled whenever possible, built an extensive library, and there was not a historical era that he was not fluent in. He spent time perusing the family dictionary searching for words that he did not know. Rare that he found one. Ward was fiercely interested in Human Rights and most conversations eventually turned to current events, and whomever he spoke with would typically learn something that they did not know. Multi-talented, Ward found great joy in playing the piano his entire life. He was also very proud of his Irish Heritage, making sure everyone knew of his roots. 

He enjoyed the outdoors immensely, whether sailing on Bolton Lake, or hiking the various trails of Connecticut. Ward was very fit for his age, running three times a week and lifting weights until quite recently, 

Ward is survived by his five children and their spouses. Paul Farrell and Joan Bower of Middlefield, CT, Brendan and Patty Farrell of Bolton, Mary Farrell Brown of Belfast, ME, Matthew and Dorothy Farrell of Manchester, and Catherine and Kenneth Precourt, also of Manchester.  He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, which he was very proud of.  

Ward is also survived by his longtime companion Sarah Kieffer of West Hartford, CT. 

Ward was predeceased by his Sister Beverly Killelea of Sarasota FL, Son-in-law Kevin Brown of Pembroke, ME and his great granddaughter Kerry Rose Brown also of Pembroke, ME.  

Calling hours are from 4:00pm to 8:00pm Thursday, September 7th, at Tierney’s Funeral Home in Manchester, CT. A private burial will be held at St Bernard’s Cemetery in Fitchburg, MA on Friday.  

In lieu of flowers, Ward would have liked a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.