John M. Farrington

John Martin Farrington, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2020, at the age of 76 from cancer. He had been surrounded by his family and friends for the week prior to his passing.

John was born to Katherine (Hassey) Farrington in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, on April 21, 1943, while his father John Edward Farrington was in the war. Raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he met his loving wife, Carleen (Carlson) Farrington. They were married for 37 years, until her passing.

John and Carleen had three sons: John Martin, and wife Ellen, Carl Edward and wife Kellie, and Michael Joseph and wife Kelly-who all gave him many grandchildren: Erin, Devyn, Abigail, Molly, Olivia, Grace, Ainsley, Beatrix, Victoria and Caleb; as well as his grandson Devyn and his wife Alexis giving him great-grandchildren: Peyton and Riley. John was the eldest of four siblings and is survived by his sister Christine Walent and husband Robert; brother Robert Farrington and wife Lynne; his sister Maureen Hicks who preceded him. He has many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

John was a graduate of St. Patrick's School, Essex Agricultural & Technical Institute and attended UMass Amherst. He spent a year working for the U.S. Forest Service on a quick-response firefighting team that brought him all around the country before returning home to meet his wife, Carleen. John had several technology jobs before joining AT&T in the early 70s and retiring as the microwave and fiber optic lineman manager for the upper northeast. During that time, he helped his wife Carleen start the family restaurant, which bears her name and is owned and operated by his eldest son to this day.

Inheriting a passion for aviation from their father, he and his brother learned to soar. Together, they spent years flying the sailplanes they co-owned. He took his love of flying with him as he retired to a home on a gliderport in Clermont, Florida, where he flew frequently, worked as a flight instructor, and enjoyed the company of many new friends. He loved traveling to soaring events and enjoyed volunteering, always eager to lend a hand. An avid reader, John shared his love of books with his family. His quick wit, dry humor, and loving personality will be greatly missed by all, along with his often said, "We'll see ya."

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Diaz-Healy Funeral Home, 107 South Broadway, Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington, Massachusetts. 
 

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