Richard Henry Farrell, Jr., 86, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at home. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be missed very much and remembered with love and gratitude.

Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 23, 1940, to Richard Henry Farrell, Sr. and Patricia Arvilla Harmon. He lived most of his youth and early adult life in Chicago, before moving to Florida in 1979. Although he very much enjoyed growing up in and working in Chicago, he was much better suited to the Florida climate. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed creating beautiful gardens at the various homes in Florida that he and his family lived in over the years.

For much of his early childhood, Richard was raised by his paternal relatives. His Uncle Frank and Aunt Harriet were like parents to him. They doted on him, and Harriet always referred to Richard as “her Richie Boy.” He loved her dearly.

Richard graduated from Amundsen High School in 1957 at the age of 17. During high school, he worked delivering newspapers and as a soda jerk at Walgreens. After high school, he began his career at the Illinois Bell Telephone Company, starting in the mail room, and working his way up through various engineering and management roles throughout his 30+ year career with the Bell Systems. As a young married man, he also took many second jobs – KFC, bartending, auxiliary police officer, to name a few. He always worked hard and did what needed to be done to support his family. Richard taught us by example the importance of integrity and a strong work ethic. We are very grateful for those life lessons.

In 1957, he met the girl of his dreams, Kristi Lynn Burkee. In his life stories he wrote that he believed their love was pre-ordained, because when he was 8 or 9 he saw a little girl in a white bathing suit at Wells Park and was drawn to her in a way he didn’t understand at the time. When he met Kristi, it was love at first sight. When he found out she frequented the same park and wore a white swimsuit, he believed that the little girl was her, and that they were meant to be. They were married in 1961 and enjoyed a long, happy, 61-year marriage full of love and adventures, until her passing in 2023. He said she made him the man he was. He missed her terribly and was looking forward to joining her.

Richard was a member of the United States Marine Corps and served six years in the Marine Corps Reserves. He was very proud that he served his country and was grateful for the life experience he gained from it. He was also grateful for his best friend, Douglas Alexander, who surprised him by showing up at Parris Island during boot camp, and served by his side. Douglas was a dedicated friend who Richard missed a great deal after he passed away at the young age of 60. They had many fun adventures together.

If you asked Richard what his greatest achievement was, he would say it was the family he and Kristi built together. He is survived by his two sons: Richard Henry Farrell III and Christopher Jon Farrell; his daughter: Vicki Lynn Farrell Knowles; his two daughters-in-law: Kerri Lynn Farrell and Staci Danyel Farrell; his four grandsons: Sean Michael Knowles, Richard Henry (Susanna) Farrell IV, Ryan Andrew (Grace) Farrell and Cade Wylan Farrell; his two granddaughters: Katherine Lynn Knowles and Nyah Danyel Farrell; and his two great[1]grandchildren: Adalind Ayla Farrell and Callum August Farrell.

Richard is also survived by his loving feline companion Wolfman (Wolfie). Wolfie came into his life after the passing of his dear Kristi and helped fill the void with unconditional love and affection.

The family held a life celebration with Richard prior to his passing and shared many pictures, stories, and memories together. Richard was so thankful that he was able to meet the newest member of the family at that event, little Callum.

In Richard’s last months he was grateful for the companionship and assistance of dear family friend Robert Reyna, and the wonderful people at Community Hospice of Jacksonville – in particular his nurse Jacquelyn and social worker Meghan. Through it all, he maintained his sense of humor, and kept us smiling.

If you would like to commemorate Richard’s life, please consider donating to Lucky Cat Adoptions or one of Richard’s favorite charities: Shriners Children’s, Wounded Warriors, and Jacksonville Humane Society.