James Francis Farny - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

James Francis Farny

May 3, 1928 - December 21, 2016

James Francis Farny, age 88, of Newark, DE, departed this life on December 21, 2016. He was predeceased by his parents Lionel Milan Farny and Elsa Guyer Farny. He and his wife Doris Ondina Farny were married from 1961 until her death in 2011. He is survived by his wife’s son Milton Aguiar (Christina) of Puerto Rico.

Mr. Farny was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Lehigh University in 1950 with a degree in chemical engineering. He then served in the US Army Chemical Corps, and for two years was a Troop Information Instructor at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah. After leaving the Army he moved back east and worked for Atlantic Richfield in Philadelphia, then Thiokol Corporation in Elkton Maryland, then Amstar Corporation in Philadelphia. A resident of Newark since the 1960s, Mr. Farny returned to Thiokol in 1981 and retired in 1995 with a total 32 years of service there. He was a licensed professional engineer and an advocate for improved passenger rail transportation. He served as a regional director of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, and chaired a committee that in 1979 proposed the Year 2000 Rail Transportation System for the Delaware Valley. He was also a member of the Delaware Press Association and, concerned about special interests hurting the public interest, authored the 2013 book Crisis America Legaltheftism. He attended Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Newark.

A gathering to honor Mr. Farny, a dear friend to many, will be held from 11:30 am until 12 Noon on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Deer Park Tavern, on the 2nd floor, 108 W Main St, Newark, DE, where a celebration of life will begin at 12 Noon. A luncheon in his honor will follow immediately at the Deer Park. Interment will be held privately in Borinquen Memorial Park, Caguas, Puerto Rico, where he will be laid to rest near his late wife.

Donations in honor of Mr. Farny can be made to the Delaware Press Association, 1012 Kent Road, Wilmington Delaware 19807 or to the National Association of Railroad Passengers, 505 Capitol Court NE, Suite 300, Washington DC 20002-7706.

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2 Condolences for James Francis Farny

  • It is wonderful to read some of the background on Jim. He and his wife Doris were neighbors of our’s for years. I’ll never forget when Jim popped over one day after his article describing his soft spot for Puerto Rico & Cuba was printed. He told us how he met his wife. She was quite friendly, always saying “hello” & visiting when she was walking around the neighborhood (prior to the stroke that made her wheelchair bound). He was a natural meeter and greeter no matter where he saw you in Newark. I’ve missed knowing they both live in my neighborhood, even tho’ it’s been years since they’ve been here. Both were pround of the only son they shared in raising. Best to him & his family.

  • I thought about Jim all throughout the holidays this year. After Titi Doris died, I spoke with him twice but then lost contact once he left his home. I was very saddened to know that he had passed. Jim was a very intelligent, friendly and well travelled person. I know he spoke Spanish very well and not sure if he knew other languages. I imagine he did because he traveled the world and I know he loved to communicate with people. He was never a stranger to anyone. I will cherish all the good and funny memories we had. Love you Jim. Rest in peace.