Walter John Farrell Jr.

Walter John Farrell Jr, M.D., 87 passed away on May 13, 2022. Walter was a leading Radiologist at INOVA Fairfax Hospital for more than four decades and a founding member of Fairfax Radiological Consultants, the region’s largest radiology practice. Walter is survived by and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Rena of 10 years. He was the devoted father of Michael (Susan), Stephen (Ketty), Patrick (Lynn) and Ann Farrell Pulliam, and loving grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his parents Walter Sr. and Stephanie, his brother Robert, his first wife of 50 years Bridget, and his son-in-law Joel Pulliam. Walter was born in Lowell MA in 1935 descended from Irish and Polish immigrant families. He was raised in Akron OH. Upon graduating from St Mary’s High School in Akron, he was awarded an academic scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1956. He went on to earn his medical degree from Western Reserve Medical School in 1960. He completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the National Institutes of Health while serving in the U.S. Public Health Service. In 1968 Walter and wife Bridget moved their young family to McLean VA. Joining the Radiology group forming at Fairfax Hospital, he developed an expertise in interventional radiology and was the first to bring angiography to Fairfax. When CT scanning revolutionized medicine he was among the first radiologists in the area to use the new technology for interventional procedures to treat as well as diagnose disease. He continued to practice until his retirement in 1995. Walter was a kind and generous man, devoted to his family, his faith, and his many deep and long-lasting friendships. A man of many interests and abilities, Walter enjoyed tutoring his grandchildren, and continuing his education by enrolling in post graduate courses in science, history and the arts. He traveled the world, loved to ski, and play golf. He was a longtime active member of Washington Golf and Country Club. He had a profound love of Bridget’s native Ireland, having visited more than 25 times. Walter enjoyed his final years living with his wife Rena Brendes in their McLean home and became an important member of the Brendes Family, which brought all great joy and comfort. Services will be held on Thursday, May 19th at St.Luke’s Catholic Church, Walter’s home parish since 1968, located at 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101. Viewing will begin at 10am. Mass of Christian burial immediately following at 11am. Internment at Oakwood Cemetery, 401 N. Roosevelt St., Falls Church, VA 22044.