The Cumberland Barrack is sad to announce the passing of retired Sergeant Robert Farrell. Sgt. Farrell served the Department proudly for 28 years, retiring in December 2002 from the Cumberland Barrack. Per his family, Sgt. Farrell was very proud to have been a medic in the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, flying in the early stages of program.
OBITUARY
Robert Stephens Farrell, 73, of Flintstone, MD passed away suddenly at his home on December 3, 2024.
Born November 3, 1951, in Cumberland, MD, he was the son of John Robert Farrell and Mary Stephens Farrell. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorelee (Millard) Farrell.
Robert (Bob) was a graduate of Bishop Walsh High School, class of 1969, and Allegany College of Maryland. He also studied at Potomac State College and Frostburg State University.
Bob graduated from the Maryland State Police Academy in 1975. He worked at Rockville, Frederick, Hagerstown, McHenry and Cumberland Barracks throughout his career. During his time with the Maryland State Police, he served on the S.T.A.T.E Team and was a medic with the Aviation Division on Trooper 5 in the Cumberland Section. Bob retired from the Maryland State Police at the rank of Sergeant on December 1, 2002, after 28 years of service. Over his decades of service, Bob received numerous certificates of recognition, including a Governor’s Citation for outstanding performance in the line of duty.
In 2003, Bob began working for the Allegany County Board of Education as a teacher in the Law Enforcement Program at the Center for Career & Technical Education. He later became the Director of School Safety for Allegany County Public Schools. In this position, Bob worked diligently to improve school safety for the community.
After being elected to the Board of Education in November 2018, he continued his work for the school system and community, making school safety his top priority once again. Bob was very passionate with his work on the school board and was an intricate part of returning the Agriculture Program to the school system. Bob was re-elected to the Board of Education in November 2022. He served as Vice President and President of the board during his terms. He was honored to have been elected by the citizens of Allegany County with such an important position. He was driven by his belief that the best interest of the children should always come first.
Bob enjoyed spending time at his farm, hunting, fishing and spending time with his friends and family. He spent many years raising and showing Quarter Horses and was the recipient of the Allegany County Farm Bureau Service Award in 2023.
Bob was a member of the Maryland Troopers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Maryland State Quarter Horse Association, Allegany County Farm Bureau, Republican Central Committee, Ali Ghan Shrine Club Director’s Staff and Cumberland Masonic Lodge.
He was devout in his Catholic faith and frequently served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in the church, hospital and nursing homes.
Bob is survived by his wife, Tana Kim Farrell; a daughter, Jessica Ann Haines and husband Seth; a granddaughter, Everly Haines; brother, Thomas E. Farrell and wife Sharon; a sister, Kathy F. Geatz and husband Todd; niece and nephews, Kristen Temple and husband Nicholas, Andrew T. Farrell, and Colin Geatz; and a large extended family which he loved dearly, Andrew Waldon, Meredith Alkire and daughter Layla; Tyler Alkire and wife Tiffanie.
SERVICES
In accordance with Robert’s wishes, he was cremated and visitation will be Friday, December 13, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. 15205 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, MD.
Mass of the Christian Funeral will be celebrated Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 201 N Centre St, Cumberland, MD, with Fr. Mark officiating.
Honors will be accorded by the Maryland State Police Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions are requested to be directed to the Allegany County Farm Bureau, C/O TR Robinette at 25400 Robinette Farm Lane NE, Flintstone, MD 21530.
