Robert Farrell's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Ferguson Summers Farrell Jr.. Robert, 63, died peacefully at his home in Pleasanton, CA surrounded by loved ones. He was born in 1958 in Trenton, New Jersey to Robert and Shirley Farrell. The family eventually settled in Palo Alto, CA. Robert was named all All-American in water polo at Palo Alto High School, where he graduated in 1977. He attended Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo on a full water polo scholarship, ultimately obtaining his B.A. from Saint Mary’s College in Healthcare Administration.
Robert excelled in all his athletic pursuits, which included swimming, bowling (obtaining an 852 series), skiing, golfing, biking, skateboarding and surfing. He was also a bit of a card shark. He loved taking trips to casinos to play 21 and Texas Hold’em with the dream of one day participating in the World Series of Poker. He was a life-long fan of the 49ers, Giants and Warriors and attended multiple sporting events.
Robert married Tracy (Asencio) Duncan in 1992. They were blessed with twins Megan Michelle Farrell and Robert Ferguson Summers Farrell III in 2000. It is with their birth that Robert found his true calling and passion in life: To be an amazing father, mentor and friend to his children. He liked to joke that Megan was his “first-born” twin, as she arrived 6 minutes before Robert. He nicknamed her “Sweet-Sweet” on account that she was so sweet he had to say it twice. Megan has inherited her father’s outgoing personality and “blue as the ocean” eyes. Robert III was named after his grandfather Robert Sr.. Robert always considered his father, who passed away in 1989, to be his best friend. He was thus very proud to pass on the family name to his son. Robert III has inherited his father’s handsome appearance as well as his immense heart and compassion.
Robert continuously reiterated his love for his children. He never missed an opportunity to express how proud and in awe he was of them. He encouraged them to be open to new experiences but to choose their own paths, and to enjoy life in the process. Everyone who knew him knew that Robert III and Megan were his heart and soul. At the end of his life, he expressed his only regret as not being able be here longer with them.
Robert is survived by his two children Megan and Robert Farrell III, his mother, Shirley Farrell-Cowles, brother Steven Farrell, step-brother Torin Cowles, step-sister Tara White, former wife Tracy and her husband Edward Duncan, nephews Samuel, Buck, Randall, Matthew, and Hunter and many other family members, friends and colleagues. Robert is preceded in death by his father, Robert Ferguson Summers Farrell Sr. and his step-father Orion Cowles.
He will be forever missed by all who loved him.
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