Joseph Robert Farnham, Sr.

Joseph Robert Farnham Sr., 84, of Falls Twp., died at his home on Wednesday morning. His wife of over 62 years is Grace Ann Kochis Farnham.

Born in Benton Twp., he was the son of the late Bruce J. and Theresa Kochmer Farnham. He was a graduate of Benton Twp. High school, class of 1956. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Commonwealth Telephone Company (now Frontier), starting as a lineman and retiring as a Network Systems Technician. He was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of the Snows. He was also a member of the Waverly Masonic Lodge 301, Abington Sportsman Club, and earlier was a volunteer firefighter for Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company.

Also surviving are three sons, Joseph Robert Jr. and his wife Lori of Gloversville, N.Y., Ronald Scott of Doylestown, and Daniel Bruce and his wife Lynn of Waverly; a daughter, Jennifer Marie Millan and her husband Steven of Clarks Summit; a daughter-in-law, Celeste of Johnstown, N.Y.; grandchildren, Nathan, Alison, Jacob, Cara, Steven Jr., Joseph, Alexander, and Angela "Gia;" two great-grandchildren, Lillian Rhea and Madison Marie.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Alan, in 2019; his twin brother, James, in 2016; and a sister, Dolores Tuccillo, in 1983.

Joe had an unbelievable work ethic. He started working at the age of 12 and never stopped. Unable to afford college, he was a self-taught jack of all trades. He was a plumber, electrician, mechanic and master craftsman, having made beautiful cedar chests and entertainment centers for family and loved ones. He was an amazing cook, and his burgers and macaroni salad were legendary. He was a hunter, and spent many hours in the woods with Joe Jr., Dan and Jeff. As he got older, one of his favorite pastimes was sitting in his back room watching for deer in his field, and those days were made even better when Ron or Dan would sit with him.

He was a strict father, instilling his tremendous work ethic into all of his children. All five of his children obtained college degrees, and several of them master's degrees, which brought him great joy. He was truly a Boy Scout, honest to the core. If a cashier gave him back $.10 extra, he would let them know and give it back to them. If someone did something wrong, he would tell them. He didn't sugarcoat anything.

He was a tremendous athlete, playing basketball and baseball in school. He was an amazing left-handed pitcher, and he loved that his grandson Alex also played sports with his left hand. As he got older, he became a great lover of golf. Not only did he play, he helped out at the local, semi pro tournaments, which were some of the best days of his life. In the past couple of years, when he was unable to golf, he would drive Joey and Alex around the golf course and watch them play from the cart, letting them know how to improve their swing and cheering them on.

His grandchildren meant the world to him. While he was still working, he would do anything he could to get to Nathan's games, and Alison's dance recitals. After he retired, he became a staple in the younger grandchildren's lives. He spent countless hours with Stevie from the time he was born. They would walk in the fields and look at the flowers, over time he moved on to watching his soccer and basketball games, and trips to McDonald's. He attended all of Joey and Alex's basketball and baseball games, Halloween parades, anything they were involved in. Gia made him laugh every day, and she was able to get him to rock baby dolls and wear jewelry.

His great faith in God helped guide him through the loss of his son, Jeffrey. His family is comforted knowing that they are now together and at peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 South State Street, Clarks Summit, with services by the Rev. Stephen Asomah, assistant pastor. Friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VFW Abington Memorial Post 7069, 402 Winola Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.