Major Leo J Farrell, USMC (RET)

Leo J. Farrell passed away on June 8, 2016 in Jacksonville, FL. Visitation will be held Tues, June 21 from 6 pm to 8pm at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL, with Catholic Mass being held Wed, June 22 at 10am at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 224 5th St N, Jax Bch, FL followed by immediate escort to National Cemetery Jacksonville, FL with military honors.

Leo was born April 7, 1938 to James Leroy Farrell and Kathleen Ruth Walsh during a snow blizzard in Whittemore, IA. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, IA in 1961 and voluntarily joined The United States Marine Corps, where he received many distinguishing service awards including: National Defense Service Medal; Air Medal w/33*; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/4*; Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross w/palm; Purple Heart and Bronze Star w/V. Leo eventually retired from military service in 1982, settling in Jacksonville, FL where he became active in the community. He was a member of Civitan International Birmingham, AL and served in officer positions with Fl 1st Coast Civitan and Arlington Civitan Club. Since 2002 to present he was Team Captain who coordinated fund raising for the Beaches Relay for Life, American Cancer Society and for various years served as a committee member. He is a member of Seely- Walsh Post #425 of The American Legion, Whittemore, IA; Lifetime member of MOAA, Mayport Chapter; Lifetime member of Women Marines Association LEGGS, FL-7 First Coast WMA; former pilot for HMM 265, USMC and participant with annual reunions now earned the right to fly once again, St Paul’s Catholic Church, Jax Bch whose singing voice will be sorely missed, and an avid reader (“Chief Read Heap Much” featured in Life Magazine Sep 29, 1947), sports fan of Jeff Gordon NASCAR, Hawkeye and Yankees.

He is survived by his wife, Major Arlene (Arddy) Cyphers Farrell USMC (Ret), his children Deborah Haley (John), Patrick Farrell (Erin), grandchildren Benjamin Tyler Farrell, McKenna Eileen Haley, John Mark Haley, Alexandra Gratchev, and Gabrielle Gratchev; brother Tom (JoAnn) Farrell of Prairie City, IA.; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who all call him Uncle Leo. Leo is preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathleen, his siblings, sisters Mary (Eddie Elbert), Helen Wirth, Emy Farrell and Celine Farrell in infancy; brothers, James (Lela) and Kenneth (Florence).

In lieu of flowers, Leo Farrell, requested donations to Civitan International Research Center, Birmingham, AL or Loras College in Dubuque, IA.

A Wake will be Tuesday, June 21 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 22 at 10:00 am at St Paul’s Catholic Church, 428 2nd Ave., N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 followed by a burial service at 1:00 pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32218. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Beaches Chapel, 1701 Beach., Blvd., Jacksonville, Beach, FL 32250 (904) 249-2374 www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com

For Out of Town Guests: A block of rooms will be held for June 20th through June 24th, rate $119 plus taxes – includes breakfast. Rooms will be held till June 14, 6pm. Call Hampton Inn & Suites, 13733 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Make your reservations for group rate: Farrell Memorial - 904 223 0222. Reservations must be made by June 14, 6pm.

After National Cemetery please join the Farrell Family for refreshments from 4:30 to 6:30pm: Culhane’s Irish Pub, 967 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233