John Joseph Faherty

John Joseph Faherty was born on April 8, 1938, in Burns, Oregon. His family later moved to Portland, where the influence of Fr. Zenner led John to attend Central Catholic High School—a decision that would have a lasting impact on his life.

After graduating from Central Catholic, John attended Gonzaga University. Following a serious car accident, he returned home and continued his studies at the University of Portland. Being in Portland brought another life-changing meeting: John met Marilyn Lisignoli, the love of his life. Deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, they married at ages 19 and 20 and grew up together, building a life and family side by side.

Having lost his own father when he was eleven, John dreamed of having a big Catholic family. He and Marilyn raised six children and embraced the joyful chaos of family life. They worked hard and sacrificed to send their children to St. Rose and The Madeleine, continuing the family’s educational legacy at Central Catholic and St. Mary’s.

John built a successful career in the insurance business. In 1985, he purchased his own agency, Portland Insurance Agency and grew it over many years. He was an exceptional leader of both people and business, and a steadfast leader at home.

Faith, family and tradition were at the heart of John’s life. He made sure the family attended Mass every Sunday and was deeply involved in his children’s lives. He coached many of them in basketball, never missed a game when he could help it, and made it home for dinner. Even with six children and limited funds, he made sure there was always fun to be had: camping trips, family vacations in Seaside, Oregon, a famous motorhome trip around the US and countless memories made together.

John and Marilyn’s love was a joy to witness. For date nights, they would banish the children from the living room and dining room, then share dinner, music, and dance together. As his children grew up, found jobs, and married, John created a plan to keep the whole family connected: one weekend each year for everyone to gather at the Faherty Open. It has become a cherished family tradition over 42 years and 33 family members strong.

He was known to his family, friends and grandchildren as a practical joker never missing a chance to make them laugh. The jokes got more silly but the humor never left him.

John leaves behind his devoted partner and the love of his life, Marilyn; his children Beth Faherty (Dan Cavagnaro), Brian Faherty (Jill), Molly Briscoe (Robert), Tim Faherty (Mallette), and Meghan Phelps (John); 15 grandchildren; and four and a half great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael, whom he will meet again in Heaven.

He died peacefully at home on October 6th with his loving family surrounding him, at the age of 88.

The family requests gifts in John’s memory to the Faherty Scholarship Fund at Central Catholic High School, www.centralcatholichigh.org/support-cchs/make-a-gift