WILLIAMSBURG — Harold Garfield Farrell, 96, passed away peacefully at Williamsburg Landing Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. Born Dec. 19, 1923, to the late Roland and Naomi Farrell in Boston, Massachusetts. He was married to the love of his life for 66 years, the late Dorothy Farrell.
Harold led an extraordinary life, having gone out to sea when he was only 17 years old. His love of the ocean guided many of the important decisions of his life. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School in 1949. He returned to Massachusetts to earn a college degree from Tufts University in 1952.
Having fallen in love with the south, he returned to Virginia to become a Naval architect/marine engineer at the Newport News Shipyard. During this time, he met Dorothy Daw, his future wife, in Virginia Beach who in his own words was, “the best thing that ever happened to me.”
While working at the Shipyard for over 45 years, he had the pleasure to work on countless aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and state-of-the-art ships. Harold truly loved his work. In addition to his work, Harold was a gifted artist, passionate golfer, gardener and lover of all things sailing. He was a lifelong member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and the Masons.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; and son, Gavin.
Harold leaves behind three beloved children to which he was a wonderful father, Tom Farrell (Jenny), Seth Farrell and Lezlie Anderson (Brian); and grandchildren, Mollee, Travis, Tyler and
Darby.
A private service will be held in Pantego, North Carolina.
Memorial contributions may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
Share online condolences with the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.
