John L. Farrell

John L. Farrell, 75, of Sanford, died April 14 at home after a brief illness.He was born in Sanford on July 25, 1929, a son of Telesphore A. and Mary C. (Arsenault) Farrell. He attended Sanford schools, was a graduate of Sanford High School and a lifelong Sanford resident.He served with the US Air Force in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict.He was employed earlier in his career in aircraft fabrication with Aerofab, Colonial Aircraft and TEC Industries. More recently he worked as a nuclear power rated sandblaster in Shop 71 of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, retiring several years ago.He was an active communicant of St. Ignatius Church.A baseball enthusiast, he played for Sanford High School and the Air Force, and was a fan of the Sanford Mainers. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and always had a vegetable garden. He was an active early volunteer for the Sanford Springvale Youth Athletic Association.Family members recalled how proud he was of his Irish heritage and that he was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. They also recalled how he was a special Uncle Johnny to two grandnieces, Abbigayle and Madeline Beauchesne.His wife, the former Lucille Beauchesne, died in 2003.Survivors include a son, Thomas M. Farrell, his wife Deana and their son Benjamin, all of Brunswick, a daughter, Sandra Farrell Clark of Sanford, a brother, Daniel M. Farrell and his wife Debbie of Sanford, a sister, Linda K. Britt of Eustis, FL, and several nieces and nephews.Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday at 11 AM in St. Ignatius Church with burial to follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery.Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Maine Children's Cancer Program, 100 US Rte. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.