
Funeral Mass
Burial


Obituary of Matthew Joseph Farley Sr.
Matthew J. Farley Sr.
May 30, 1944 - January 21, 2025
Matthew J. Farley Sr., a life long resident of West Orange, died peacefully on January 21, 2025. He was 80 years old. Born at St.Mary’s Hospital in Orange and raised in West Orange, Matt attended West Orange High School where he starred in basketball and co captained the baseball team. He graduated in 1962. Matt was an avid sports fan and he loved to compete. He played semi pro baseball after high school and he couldn’t get enough of men’s softball. He played in leagues his entire life and finally hung up his cleats a year ago at age 79.
After high school in 1965, Matt married Patricia Murray and had three adoring children, Kathleen, Matthew Jr. and Karen. He worked for 25 years at the Economics Press in Fairfield, NJ as a Vice President . Matt worked hard at everything he did but what he concentrated on most, was his family. His children all married and settled in New Jersey, close to his home in West Orange. “Poppy” never missed a family function and he attended every possible event that involved his eight loving grandchildren. He was at his best and had some of his happiest moments attending plays, recitals, school functions and hundreds of sporting events, all for them.
Matt was proud of his Irish heritage. For his entire life, he loved attending and marching in the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day parade. He was a member of the Shillelagh Club in West Orange.
Matt was the kindest of souls. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. Kindness, modesty and reliability are the qualities that best described him. He set an incredible example for anyone that knew him but especially for his children and grandchildren. He lived a life marked by humility and integrity.
Matt loved his country and was very patriotic. He was overjoyed with the outcome of the 2024 presidential election . We all had hoped to enjoy the inauguration with him.
Matt spent many years with his long time companion Ann Lanahan. They enjoyed wonderful times together. Matt had many great days at the New Jersey shore and he loved boating on Lake Hopatcong. He could often be seen proudly captaining his father’s motor boat on lazy summer weekends. Matt enjoyed vehicles of every kind. He loved his Mustang convertible and he had a pilots license for many years. He flew small planes in and out of local New Jersey airports. If we could only bring back those days…”Poppy”we cherished our time with you. We all loved you more than we can ever express. You will be forever missed.
Matthew is survived by his three children Kathleen Lutot, Matthew Farley Jr., and Karen Milano; his daughter in law, Denise Farley, his son in law, Peter Milano; his eight grandchildren Sarah, Alexis, Michael, Brianna, Matthew, Kaitlin, Kaileigh, and Peighton ; and his companion Ann Lanahan.
A Catholic mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, January 27th at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, 1 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, N.J. It will be followed by an interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ

