Obituary of David Farris
David J Farris of Bernardsville and Bayhead New Jersey passed away peacefully on February 28, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was 83 years old. Mr. Farris served as Chief Operating Officer of Beneficial Corporation and President and Chief Executive Officer of Beneficial Management Corporation, where he was known not only for his business acumen, but for the manner in which he respected his colleagues. He began his esteemed career in a loan office in Cleveland, Ohio and retired from the company after its acquisition by Household International, Inc. in 1998. After relocating to many parts of the mid-west as his career advanced, he and his wife Jill Evans Farris settled in Bernardsville, NJ with their two daughters, Jennifer Farris Moss and Julie Farris Valentine. Dave and his beloved wife, Jill Evans Farris enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage. The two met on a blind date in college and have been together ever since. Dave was a graduate of Kent State University and Harvard Business School. At Kent State, he was a member of the basketball team and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of The United States Army, where he completed over 70 jumps as a paratrooper.
Family was everything to Dave. Second only to his wife, he was most proud of his seven grandchildren and their accomplishments and endeavors. “Poppy”, as his grandchildren call him, was a presence at each of their sporting events and milestones as well as a guiding presence in their everyday lives.
Dave and Jill set forth an incomparable example of giving back to the community and others. Morristown Medical Center, Cancer Hope Network, Gill St.Bernard’s School, Far Hills Country Day School and his alma mater, Kent State, have all been the beneficiaries of his leadership, dedication, time and resources. He gave with pride and humility, always hoping to set a positive example with the ambition of encouraging others to follow. Dave was a pioneer of Pay it Forward kindnesses before it became popular; quietly supporting people in need for their educational, athletic or personal aspirations.
More remarkable than his career achievements are the personal attributes he encompassed as a human being. Dave treated everyone he came across in life as his equal, he was the consummate gentleman, a man of integrity and honesty. He was always ready with a “how can I help?” when approached. His witty sense of humor was infectious. His heart and goodness were immeasurable.
Dave will be remembered by many for his wealth of knowledge and love of sports, most notably college basketball and his great adoration for The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was an avid golfer and was often happiest playing a round of with his cherished friends at Baltusrol Golf Club or Roxiticus Golf Club where he belonged for many years. A bucket list highlight for Dave, was playing in The Pebble Beach Pro Am.
Left to carry on in his joyous spirit are his adoring family, Jill, Jennifer and Fred Moss of Bernardsville and their children, Sarah-Louise of NYC, William of Austin Texas and Hunter Moss; Julie and Kevin Valentine of Bernardsville and their children Bethany, Gunnar, Graham and Grayson.
A private funeral will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at St. Bernard’s Church in Bernardsville and a Celebration of His Life will be held at Far Hills Country Day School on Saturday, April 6, 2019, 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family is proud to support a family friend who also lost her fight with cancer. Donations can be made in Dave’s memory to The Carol Richardson Kimmelman Tennis Center, an athletic and academic center for disadvantaged youth in inner city Los Angeles. Donations can be sent to: The USTA Foundation, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, New York 10604 or made online at www.USTAFoundation.com
