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Donald L. Farley, D.D.S.
5/12/2017


SPRINGFIELD – Donald L. Farley, D.D.S., a popular well-known Dentist of the Glenwood section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Friday, May 12, 2017. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on April 25, 1934, a beloved son of the late Arthur C. and Marie Rose (Talbot) Farley. He was raised in the Willimansett section of Chicopee and moved to Springfield in 1961. Don received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1956 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and then in 1960, he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Georgetown University Dental School. In 1960, he enlisted in the United States Navy Dental Corps with the rank of Lieutenant and served at the Chelsea Naval Hospital where he received his Anesthesia Certification in 1961. In 1962, he established a Dental Practice at his home in Springfield which he operated until he retired in 2007. He was the former Chairman and member of Executive Committee of the Valley District Dental Society, a member of the Board of Trustees and the House of Delegates of the Massachusetts Dental Society and the American Dental Association. He also served on the Professional Advisory Committee for the Massachusetts Delta Dental Plan and was a member of the Dental Staff at the Springfield Hospital for Children. He served the City of Springfield as Chairman and member of the Board of Directors for the Springfield Public Health Council and was Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hope Senior Center in Springfield. Active in his Catholic faith, Don was a communicant of the former Our Lady of Hope Church in Springfield where he served his parish as a Eucharistic Minister, a Lector and Chairman and member of the Parish Council. He was also a Trustee of the former Brightside for Families and Children in West Springfield. Following the closing of his parish, Don became a communicant of the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. During his leisure time, Don enjoyed woodworking and going to Russ’s Restaurant at Glenwood Circle for his coffee, corn muffin and conversation. He especially enjoyed traveling and “camping in style” with his motor home. He was a well-known musician in the area and played several instruments including the Saxophone, Clarinet, Piano and Organ. He played in the Summer Stage Band at many of the area parks and also played with several bands including the Silver Chimes. He was a proud member of the Musician’s Local in Springfield. Most of all, he was a gentle soul who loved his family, his patients and his many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Virginia E. “Ginger” (Topor) Farley. They were married on September 3, 1960 at the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee and were blessed with nearly 57 years of happiness together. He also leaves his six loving children, Donald L. Farley, II of Springfield, Kenneth J. Farley of Arlington, MA, Christina M.”Tina” Kelley and her husband, John, of Orange, MA, James A. Farley and his wife, Sandra Mallalieu, of Walnut Creek, CA, Marie R. Boutin and her husband, Roger, of Chicopee and Jeffrey J. Farley of Cranston, RI; his two cherished granddaughters whom he adored, Katie and Emily Boutin, both of Chicopee; his dear sister, Elaine DellaTorre of South Hadley; his dear brother-in-law, Alphonse Topor of Chicopee; his dear sister-in-law, Jane Sady of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended members of the Farley and Topor families. Besides his parents, Don was also predeceased by his loving son, James A. Farley. His funeral with United States Navy Military Honors will be held on Friday morning, May 19, 2017 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, 570 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. His burial will be private. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, May 18, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. His family wishes to invite any of his musical friends to bring their instruments to celebrate Don’s love for music at a gathering after his Funeral Mass on Friday. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, c/o 40 Cyman Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013 or to the Community Music School of Springfield, 127 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels
7 Chapin Terrace
Springfield, MA USA 01107
413-737-1177