Stephen Randolph Farr departed this life with his beloved wife and daughters by his side, listening to one of his favorite songs, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on repeat. After a four-year battle with Lewy Body dementia, it was time to let him go, and with a heavy heart, we said our goodbyes and told him it was okay for him to leave. Steve, as he was known by his northern family - Randy by his southern kinfolk – will be so very missed.

Steve was born to Charles and June Farr on June 17, 1954, in Sumter, S.C. Born into an Air Force family, Steve spent his childhood living all over the country with his four siblings: Mike, Chris, Janie, and James. He was especially reminiscent of the years they spent in the states where he got to live the “cowboy life” when school was out. Steve joined the Air Force after high school and was stationed, among other places, at Incirlik AFB in Turkey. He fell absolutely in love with the people, the food and the culture and, even when stories became hard, he could always recall his time in Turkey as if he were still there. He missed Turkish food most of all and was always looking for authentic doner, becoming a regular at Saray 2 in Springfield, MA.

While he was in the military, Steve worked in the field of microwave technology and transitioned into IT when he left active duty, eventually working for MassMutual and National Life. Steve’s love for computers and technology skipped a generation, but later in life, he was able to pass on his passion to his grandsons, Bobby and Logan. Hours were spent bent over motherboards, patiently showing them how to build the perfect computer.

Steve never made a pun he wasn’t incredibly proud of. He watched every episode of Highlander: The Series (1992) at least 100 times. Every time he watched A Christmas Story, he laughed like it was his first time. Steve made the perfect steak on the grill (charcoal, of course). He had an intense love of music and could listen to Stevie Nicks for hours. And hours. He was an amateur photographer who never tired of trying out new lenses or finding the perfect shot with his grandson. These are just some of the many things we will remember about Steve.

As we say our final goodbyes to Steve, he says his hellos to those who predeceased him: his father, Charles Farr; and his brothers, Christopher Farr (Monica) and James Farr (Kelly). We are pretty sure they are sitting on a porch overlooking a most wonderous Spanish Peaks’ sunrise, as they prepare to spend the day being cowboys again.

Steve leaves behind so many who loved him. First among us are his wife of 37 years, Catherine Farr (née Lipko) and his mother, June Farr (née Kendrick). He is also survived by his children: Simone “Moni” LiTrenta, Antoinette “Toni” (Chris) Cloutier, Andrew Farr, and Timothy (Brooke) Farr; his “adopted” son Adrian Reeves; his grandchildren: Robert (Lauren) O’Neil, Logan O’Neil, Kenzie Cloutier, Julia Cloutier, Autumn Farr, Brinley Farr, and Wyatt Farr; his siblings: Mike (Patsy) Farr and Janie (John) Milam; and an absolute bevy of wonderful nieces and nephews.

And last, but certainly not least in his heart, Steve leaves behind his namesake: his great-grandson Stephen Glenn O’Neil, who called his grandpa to say “sweet dreams” shortly before he passed.

May they truly be the sweetest of dreams.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St. South Hadley, MA, followed by a service at 12:30 p.m. A procession will then leave for the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, where burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. For more information, please visit obrienfamilyfh.com