Thomas Richard Farrell, Sr.

Thomas Richard Farrell, Sr, passed away at the age of 77 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 15, 2022. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, on April 1st, 1945. He was the youngest of five, with sisters Mary, Patricia, Barbara, and brother Bart. Spending some of his childhood years in a Catholic orphanage started him on his path as a self-driven, self-motivated individual. He taught himself basketball from a book that he discovered in 8th grade, that was just the beginning of one of his many great accomplishments. Determined to succeed, Tom spent his summers at a young age working on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, NJ and in front of Yankee stadium selling pendants and baseball hats. After he graduated high school, he attended New York University Prep College, this would just be the beginning of his basketball career. He transferred on a basketball scholarship to Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, Texas where he was later inducted into the Hall of Fame. He also played at the University of South Carolina, where he lettered, and then Louisiana Tech, where he finished his bachelor’s degree in health sciences.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Beverly. They moved to Baton Rouge where they completed graduate school together at LSU. They married and raised their five children in St. Thomas More parish. “Coach Tom” spent his earlier years in Baton Rouge teaching, coaching, and volunteering at the YMCA for his children’s sports teams. Later he became a successful real estate broker before retiring to take care of his wife.  He was an awesome storyteller and never met a stranger. Tom was married for 38 years to Dr. Beverly Allain Farrell until her passing in 2008. He is survived by his children Thomas “Tommy” Farrell, Jr, Bart Farrell (Angelle), Patrick Farrell, Anna Farrell Harrison (Travis), and Mary Farrell Utz. He is also survived by his grandchildren, fondly referred to as his “treasures,” Taylor Rhorer (Desire), Kailey Farrell, Trevor Harrison (Brianne), Ella Farrell, Amelia Farrell, Liam Utz, Olivia Farrell, and Alissa Harrison. And his great-grandchildren Tristan, Kyson, Oliver, and Braelyn. A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas More Church on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 10am and a prayer service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please sign our memory book and leave a story of how you knew him.