Administrators Pompeii Posted February 23 Administrators Share Posted February 23 John Edward Farr, 82, of DuBois, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, on Monday, February 19, 2024, from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident in Myrtle Beach, SC. John was born on March 2, 1941 in Waukegan, IL, to the late Clarence and Emma (Kotila) Farr. On May 12, 1990, John married the true love of his life, Catherine (Kuniski) Farr. She survives. John was a 1959 graduate of Highland Park High School; he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Physics from Northwestern University and was awarded his PhD from the Pennsylvania State University. John felt fortunate to have been a recipient of an Evans Scholars Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship for golf caddies; in recent years he served on the Western Pennsylvania Evans Scholars selection committee. He began his career at the Penn State Beaver campus before transferring to the DuBois campus in 1972, where he was an assistant professor of physics until his retirement in 2003. John loved teaching and was awarded the “Educator of the Year Award” from the DuBois Educational Foundation in 1987. He encountered many students who in later years expressed their gratitude for the positive, lasting impact he had on their lives and careers. Upon retiring, he and a friend embarked on an ambitious cross-country bicycling trip, dipping their rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean at San Francisco, and rolling their front wheels into the Atlantic Ocean, 8 weeks and 3,420 miles later in Virginia Beach. John was a voracious, lifelong learner. He earned an associate degree in Wildlife Technology from PSU DuBois after retiring from teaching; he studied Spanish in Mexico and pursued opportunities to use the language whenever possible on trips in Mexico, Latin America and Spain. He and Cathy enjoyed their travels together, especially their many visits to US national parks, and European & Central American destinations. Their favorite cities included Paris and Venice, which inspired the names of their beloved cats. John was passionate about helping others in meaningful ways, particularly through his tireless work to revive and sustain Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County, where his various roles included Board President, Construction Supervisor, and continual supporter and advocate. He undertook more than 20 yearly bicycle trips to raise funds in support of Habitat's mission. He also founded and organized the “King of the Mountain” bicycle race, an annual Habitat fundraiser. Above all, he will be fondly remembered as a gentle soul and a true renaissance man. His interests were many and varied, including bicycling, playing basketball, hiking, model trains and railroading, antique clocks, metal arts classes, crossword puzzles, traveling and reading. He especially enjoyed seeking out the best chocolate chip cookie, having a nice glass of wine, and sharing special times with family & friends. In addition to his beloved wife, Cathy, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John Hershel Farr and Erin Thomas of State College; daughter Cynthia (Donald) O’Hora of Shamokin Dam; stepson Bill (Kelly) Hughes of State College; grandchildren Sebastian & Cadence Farr, James O’Hora, Jennifer (Brent) Prevratil; great grandchildren Lilly & Jax Prevratil, and Ashley Haberman; brother Tom (Mary) Farr; brother- & sister-in law Joseph & Mary Kuniski; cousin Robert Sette; and nephews Daniel & Nic Farr, as well as the many friends whose lives he touched. John's lifelong desire to help others continues upon his passing, as his tissue donation will impact more than 100 lives. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 12 pm – 3 pm at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. A private funeral service will be held. Burial will take place in St. Catherine Cemetery. Although flowers are appreciated, the family requests memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County (PO Box 463, DuBois, PA 15801) or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be sent to http://www.baronickfuneralhome.com/condolence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts