David Lee Farley, obituary
David Lee Farley, a man of boundless love, was born in Rockland, Maine, to Thomas and Charlotte Farley on August 11, 1943. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who passed away on February 17, 2025, at his home in Rockport, Maine, with his wife of 61 years, Carole Lee Farley, at his side.
David's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his family.
He graduated from Rockport High School in 1962 and married his wife, Carole, in 1964. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children in Rockport. Over his 81 years, he wore many hats; he served as a Town of Rockport animal control officer, firefighter, sexton of Rockport, a school board member, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, athlete, a coach, and a friend ‘Buddy’ to many.
David was also an avid hunter who helped mentor many younger hunters, friends and neighbors to enjoy and respect the sport. His son, grandson, and many other friends and neighbors enjoy the love of the hunt today because of him.
David's most notable role was as a local businessman. In 1974, he took a risk and purchased a small caretaking and landscaping company, which consisted of a green Jeep truck, two pushmowers, a few hand tools, and a modest list of clients. He ran Farley & Son (now known as Farley Inc.) until his retirement in 2016. Through his dedication and hard work, he transformed the small company into a thriving business, positively impacting many lives and changing futures.
From 1988 to 2016, he also owned and operated Hoboken Gardens, Inc., in Rockport, alongside his wife and family.
David's legacy lives on through his adoring family.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carole Lee Farley; his son Thomas J. Farley, and his wife, Lisa J. Farley, of Union, Maine; his daughter Michelle L Heald and her husband Charles P. Heald (Skip) of Appleton, Maine; his daughter Gretchen M. Richards and her husband Sean C. Richards of Searsmont, Maine; seven grandchildren, Charlotte A. Seiferth and husband Spencer Seiferth of Durham, Maine; Morgan L. Dennison her husband Ryan Dennison, of Spruce Head, Maine; Dr. Jacquelyn C. Richards, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Mallory L. Farley, of Boston, Massachusetts; David C. Richards and his wife Cheyenne Richards of Lincolnville, Maine; Elizabeth M. LeMar and her husband Dayton Bragg of Charleston, South Carolina; and Hannah Heald of Brunswick, Maine.
There are five great-grandchildren: Abigail and Chloe Dennison of Spruce Head, Maine; Brooks and Easton Seiferth of Durham, Maine, and Clayton Richards of Lincolnville, Maine.
David is also survived by his two brothers, Carlton Farley and his wife, Val, of Rockport, and Wayne (Butch) Farley and his wife, Ann of Sebago, Maine.
Many other nieces and nephews also survive him, and too many friends to mention. David and his mischievous smile will be missed by many.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and fond memories shared by the community during this difficult time.
A life celebration ceremony, where we will gather to honor and remember David's life, will be held Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m., at the Rockport Opera House.