Obituary of Thomas J. Farry

Thomas “Duke” Farry was born on October 14, 1938. He grew up in Buffalo’s First Ward and although his early life was not always easy, he was very proud to be “born in the Ward”. Growing up in this tight-knit neighborhood left him with many cherished memories, lifelong friends, and lots of wonderful (not to mention, funny) stories. The Ward and it’s people helped to shape him and instill values that he would carry throughout his lifetime. As a boy, he attended school at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Baker High School. He also attended ECC. Duke joined the United States Marine Corps in 1957 and before too long was promoted to Lance Corporal. During his time in the Corps, he was stationed in various places including Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, and Rome. He was very proud of being a Marine and would sometimes share stories of people he met, places he went, and of how difficult it could be. If you listened, it was evident that he gained a whole other education during this time. The Marines helped to mold him into a disciplined, hardworking, and dedicated man. Tom’s incredible work ethic led to jobs as an ironworker, a grain scooper, and a firefighter. He worked at numerous firehouses around Buffalo including Engines 13,10, and 4 and Trucks 2, 5 and his beloved Truck 1 also known as “Artpark”. Duke served on the BFD for 28 and scooped grain most of those years too. He was dedicated to both jobs and cherished the brotherhood and camaraderie that came along with them. An active guy, Tom was always working in the yard, tending to his garden, and going for his daily walks. He liked to keep busy. He loved fishing and spending time working on his boat back in the day. He looked forward to his yearly fishing trips in far off Biscotasing, Ontario. He also enjoyed golfing and spent many days doing so in the company of friends and family. In retirement, Duke and Judy spent time traveling and their trips included places such as Alaska, Montana, Las Vegas, Wyoming, and Washington. They also enjoyed many years among longtime friends as snowbirds in Florida. Duke was a friend of many and the best husband, dad, and grandpa around. We will miss his humor, his advice, his stories and everything that made him, him. Our family is so grateful to have such a man to look up to and to turn to for anything we needed for all the years that we have. We hope that you will remember him as the kind, generous, and hardworking man we knew him to be. FARRY, Thomas J., passed away on March 17, 2025, beloved husband of Judith “Judy” (Mendofik) Farry, dear father of Patrick (Susan) Farry, Susan Farry, Sheila (Gene) Allman, Daniel (Karen) Farry and Colleen (Mike) Chase, loving grandfather of Thomas and Claire Farry, Erin McSweeney, Liam (Mike Tse – fiancé’), Brendan and Aidan Allman, Anna Catherine (Peter) Weltjen, Georgia, Morgan and Lauren Farry, Mallory, Cameron and Owen Chase, son of the late Thomas P. Farry and Anna O’Leary, brother of Mary Ann (late Dave) Hanner and John Shea. Friends and family may call on Thursday March 20th from 4-7:00 pm at the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3155 Orchard Park Road in Orchard Park (716) 675-9027. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 10:00 am. (please assemble at church). The entombment will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the 11 Day Power Play c/o: Owens Oilers. Mr. Farry was a Retired Buffalo Firefighter and was proud to have served in the Marine Corps. Online register book at www.CANNANFH.com