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Joe Farris
1934-2011
From Yearbook
From The News
From New Castle News
Joseph Farris, 77, of 924 Maryland Ave. died on Sept. 12, 2011, in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Jan. 15, 1934, in New Castle, Joseph was a son of the late Assad and Phoebe George Farris.
He was married to the former Charlene A. Prentice for 57 years. She survives.
Joe served the city of New Castle as a police officer. He was hired in 1962 and retired after 25 years of service in 1987. During that time, Joe served two terms as police chief. He also served as a police lieutenant for several years. As the police chief, Joe started the Soul Patrol in the city. He helped a lot of people during his career.
He was past president of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge and past president of the Men’s Society at St. Elias Orthodox Church. He was instrumental in moving the church from Reynolds Street to its current location at 915 Lynn St.
Joe was a past board member of the New Castle Area School District. He also was a member of the Eagles Club.
He served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. He served as a Presidential Honor Guard for President Dwight Eisenhower. Joe served at Fort Meyer, Va., and Arlington National Cemetery. His unit, known as the Old Guard, had the duties of protecting the president of the United States, foreign dignitaries and Washington, D.C. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
He enjoyed playing cards, going fishing and watching his grandchildren play basketball.
His favorite teams were the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Debbi Cameron of New Castle; a son, Bobby Farris and companion Mary Ann Tofel of New Castle; a daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi Salzano and husband John of New Castle; two brothers, Charles Farris and wife Karen, and James Farris and wife Lynda, all of New Castle; a sister, Norma Kelley of New Castle; sister-in-law, Evelyn Farris; special cousin, Barbara Davis of New Castle; grandchildren, Justin Farris and fiance Rebecca Kelley, Jared Farris, Judd Farris and wife Jessica, Kurt Cameron, Bryan Cameron, Chad Cameron, Jonalyn Salzano and Jesse Salzano; four great-grandchildren, Ariana, Kendra, Shawn and Kayla; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Farris; and a brother-in-law, Bob Kelley.
Burial was to be in St. Nicholas Cemetery. After his name in the Yearbook, it reads: Shop football, 11-12; Shop baseball, 11-12. He was the 148th person to walk down the aisle at graduation.
