1926 – 2015

YARMOUTH — Paul Nathan Farrell, 89, of 33 Hackett Road, Auburn, died at 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. He was a resident at Bay Square of Yarmouth at the time of his death. He died peacefully surrounded by family and friends.

Born in St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Aug. 5, 1926, Paul was the son of the late John D. and Eugenie Lapointe Farrell. He was educated in Canadian schools, graduating as Salutatorian from St. Leonard High School. He received a degree from St. Joseph University, Moncton, New Brunswick, in 1945. He was married to Gilberte Irene St. Hilaire on Oct. 18, 1952.

He was employed by the Maine Central Railroad as a telegrapher, from 1945 to 1978, when he retired as agent in Lewiston. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He then joined the Army Reserve as a member of the 333rd General Hospital, later changed to the 1125th U.S. Army Hospital unit, serving as 1st Sgt. from 1965 to 1983. He retired at the rank of Master Sgt. in 1986.

He has resided in this community since 1954, and attended Sacred Heart Church, where he sang in the choir with his wife for many years. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Golden Age Club, New Auburn Senior Citizens, Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Council 106, American Legion Post 31, Order of the Railroad Telegraphers, Brotherhood of Railway and Airline Clerks and President of Farrell Lumber Co. Inc., Danville.

A talented musician, Paul led the band “The Silver Tones,” which entertained crowds at Franco-American festivals in both Lewiston and Biddeford. The Silver Tones were sought after as entertainers at nursing and rest homes all over the twin cities and beyond. Paul performed in local theaters including the Red Stocking Review. Even well into his 80s and in failing health, Paul continued to sing at nursing homes on his own. He arranged annual concerts, where his grandchildren joined him singing and playing a variety of instruments.

An avid fisherman, he taught several generations the fine art of brook fishing. He had a gift with animals and a deep appreciation of nature. He was an excellent gardener and an accomplished card player.

He is survived by a brother, Dennis Farrell of Old Orchard Beach; sister, Doris Bellefleur of St. Leonard; sons, Michael and Charles Farrell, both of Auburn; daughters, Linda Farrell-Grimm of Front Royal, Va., Jane Price of Urbana, Md., Susan MacKay of Ellsworth, and Debra Bates of Menlo Park, Calif.; 13 grandsons, Paul M. J. Farrell, Sean and Ian Glick, Alex Deraps, Nathan, Samuel, Benjamin and John Paul Price, Shawn Lyons and Patrick MacKay, Matthew, David, and Joshua Bates; and four granddaughters, Keara Heavener, Mary and Stephanie Price and Sara Lyons. He is also survived by a number of great-grandchildren.

Paul is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Gilberte “Gil” Farrell; his brothers, Norman Farrell of Auburn, Sylvio Farrell of Portland and Amos Farrell of Middleton, Mass.; and sisters, Christine Farrell of St. Leonard, Agnes Richardson of Bangor and Lorretta Gauthier of Auburn.

Paul passed peacefully surrounded by his family singing his favorite songs. His unfailing love for family, his selflessness and generosity, sense of humor and laughter, stories of the past, love of music, and unending wisdom will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by those who loved him.

His family would like to thank the staff at Bay Square of Yarmouth (with a special thank you to his “angel,” Jessica) and Compassus Hospice for their loving and gentle care and their aid in the peaceful passing of our father/grandfather.