Obituary of William Farrell

Schenectady - William J. Farrell, Jr., M.D., age 91, died on April 28, 2015 in Niskayuna, New York. Bill was born in Glens Falls, New York on May 19, 1923 to William and Margaret Farrell. He graduated from Glens Falls High School and Siena College. He served his country in World War II as a Naval Officer. After the war he attended Georgetown Medical School and became a general surgeon. He did his medical internship and residency at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. Dr. Farrell served in the Korean War as a surgeon in a MASH unit, where his extraordinary surgical skills, particularly in the vascular area, saved the lives of many American soldiers. He earned the Bronze Star with Combat V, the United Nations Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation for the First Marine Division. He returned home and opened a private surgical practice in Schenectady. During his career, he was chief of staff at the former St. Clare's Hospital and at Ellis Hospital. He also worked in the emergency department of Ellis Hospital. He counted many in the local physician community as his friends and enjoyed regular poker games with them. After retiring, Bill spent many hours in his garden, with his poodles and watching Yankee games with his wife, Janice. He particularly enjoyed time with his grandchildren, Chloe and Daniel, whom he cared for on a weekly basis. His friends, colleagues and family will always remember him as a gentle, caring man with a positive outlook on life and a warm sense of humor. He had a strong faith and loved his Roman Catholic religion to the end. The family thanks the staff of Pathways Nursing Center for their loving care of Doc Farrell. Bill is survived by his wife Janice; his brother, Robert (Peg); a son and daughter; his stepdaughter, Amy Bellcourt (Scott); and grandchildren, Chloe and Daniel Bellcourt and several other grandchildren. Funeral service Saturday morn 8:30 from the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St. and 9 a.m. at St Luke's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours Friday eve 4 to 6. Interment St Agnes Cemetery, Menands.