Laurence T. Farley

With grateful hearts and gentle remembrance, we celebrate the life of Laurence Thomas Farley — devoted father, cherished grandfather, beloved friend, and proud Veteran. Known affectionately as “Lary,” he left this world peacefully on Wednesday, November 5th, surrounded by the love of his family. They take comfort knowing he is now at rest, and that his beautiful spirit has been set free.

Lary proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in a communications and security role. He spent four impactful years between Turkey and Japan, often impressing fellow service members with his athletic ability on the baseball diamond. One of his most treasured memories was spending a night on top of Mt. Fuji.

Lary was an avid baseball fan, golfer, and bowler. He loved the Chicago Cubs long before it was cool. He took great pride in running a fantasy baseball league as early as the mid-1980s, when every statistic had to be tracked by hand using the Tuesday edition of The Sporting News, which included the box score of every Major League game from the previous seven days. He devoted immeasurable hours to his children and grandchildren, playing catch well into the evening after work—often until it was too dark to see the ball. He attended countless of his oldest grandson Myles’ games, driving as far as Atlanta, Georgia and Cooperstown, New York to watch the kid play baseball.

He was a lifelong music lover. Lary kept a hi-fi stereo with a turntable and a great record collection well past the age many adults lose their passion for vinyl. He introduced his children to CCR, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and other greats. He even allowed his kids to convert a room in the basement into a rehearsal studio—complete with a drum kit, amps, and guitars—where they were free to attempt loud, questionable covers of modern rock. The patience it must have taken to endure those early “performances” speaks to how he felt about his children: what he wanted most was their happiness.

Lary was preceded in death by his father, Charles; his mother, Antonia (“Tonii”); and his siblings Karen, Pat, Merijo, Mike, and Kevin.

He is survived by his siblings James, Terrence, and Charles; his children Myles (Melissa), Kate, Peg (Laura), and Brennan (Kayla); and a large circle of nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Lary dearly. He is also survived by his grandchildren Myles, Savannah, Preston, Avery, and Kaiden; his former wife, Loretta Nash, with whom he shared many years of family and friendship; and his family in love, the Nashes.

Lary’s love extended to every animal lucky enough to know him. He is now reunited with his adored husky, Terra, and the family pets Zelda and Knight. His absence will be felt by his furry family—Talulah, Bruce, Lemon, Charlotte, Zelda, Dorris, Raleigh, and Lucky—who will miss the warmth and gentleness he gave so freely.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Blake & Lamb Funeral Home in Lisle, Illinois, with a celebration of life immediately following, where family and friends will gather to share memories, stories, and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who feel moved do so by making a donation to West Suburban Community Pantry or a veterans assistance foundation of their choosing.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.