Paul J. Farley, 87, of Ayer

AYER: Paul J. Farley, 87, of Ayer, died Monday, January 27, 2025 at Care One of Concord. Paul was born in Lowell, a son of the late Peter C. Farley and Yvonne M. (Ferron) Moran Farley. Paul was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Volungus) Farley with whom he shared 61 years of happy marriage. Paul was a graduate of St. Patrick’s Grammar School and the former Keith Academy in Lowell where he was considered to be a standout athlete. He served four years in the United States Navy and was stationed on the destroyers Wallace L. Lind and the USS Witek. Paul was honorably discharged as a petty Officer 2nd Class and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Paul attended Lowell State College graduating with a B.S. in Education. He was elected President of the Student Government Association and earned the Silver Key Award for service and dedication to the college. Paul later graduated from Fitchburg State College with a Masters Degree in Education. It was while they were at Lowell State that he met Patricia. They married and graduated together in 1965. During his thirty year career at Ayer Public Schools, Paul was a teacher, coach, principal and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Paul was closely associated with North Middlesex Savings Bank, having served as a trustee and Clerk of the Corporation for 26 years. He retired from his position at the bank in 2012. As a well-accepted basketball official on Lowell Board 95 IAABO, Paul officiated high school and college games in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. He was the first Commissioner for Basketball in the Wachusett Basketball League and the initial director of the Christmas Basketball Tournament held at Lowell University. He was a former president of IAABO Board 95 and also was a member of Fitchburg Board 44 IABBO. Hunting, fishing and being outdoors was important to Paul, especially fly fishing in both fresh and saltwater. He particularly enjoyed the times he had fishing with his sons and camping with his family at Salisbury Beach. He was especially proud of his sons and their families. Paul was a life member of the Ayer Gun & Sportsman’s Club and the Shirley Rod & Gun Club. He served as president of the Ayer Gun Club for two years. Paul was a communicant of St. Nicholas Parish. Paul is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sons, Sean Farley and his wife, Tammy, Kevin Farley and his wife Jennifer all of Shirley, Keith Farley of Fitchburg. His grandchildren, Tyler Farley, Brooke Farley, Shannon Farley and Bryan Farley. He also leaves many nieces and nephews in the Greater Lowell, Southern NH and Florida areas. Paul was predeceased by his daughter in law, Keri-Lyn Farley of Fitchburg, and his granddaughter, Erica Lynn Farley of Shirley. He was the brother of the late L. Robert Moran, Mrs. Rita Maille and Mrs. Irene Sheehan. Paul’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours from 2-5 Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, (Rte 2A) Ayer. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Monday, February 3, 2025 at St. Nicholas Parish worshipping at St. Anthony’s Church, 14 Phoenix Street, Shirley. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ayer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Greater Lowell 657 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01851.

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Paul J. Farley, 87, of Ayer

September 29, 1937 - January 27, 2025