Eugene L. Farrell, Jr., 82, of Clifton passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2025. Born in Passaic to Pauline and Eugene L. Farrell Sr., he has been a resident of Clifton for most of his life. A proud US Army Veteran of Vietnam 1966-67, his army experience was the springboard of a life of service of many kinds. Upon hearing of his passing, we heard repeatedly that, Gene was "well known and well loved."

He volunteered with the Clifton Avenue of Flags, filled Military Care Packages with his life partner Alice Szepietowski, supported Disabled American Vets, St Peters Haven, Clifton Arts Center, Doctors w/o Borders, Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Special Olympics and more. Gene was honored to be selected as Grand Marshall of Clifton's Memorial Day Parade 2023. He was in his element sitting atop the 1956 Packard & waving to the parade goers.

Eugene worked as a security officer at Preakness Healthcare Center in Wayne, NJ for many years before retiring. Compassionate & giving, he knew the names & birthdays of most of the residents. He even helped decorate their walkers & wheelchairs for the holidays.

Gene served as a Shop Steward for his CWA Union local. He could be stubborn but at his previous job working the front desk of the DMV, he was patient and kept his sense of humor.

Gene was a warm, caring person. Make no mistake - he LOVED to talk - but he was also a great listener. At his 80th birthday party Gene received many tributes that detailed the impact he had on others. He could often sense when you had a problem and he tried to help address it.

Gene had a finely-honed sense of whimsy. His favorite photos show him standing next to statues of Superman, Spiderman, Daffy Duck, a giant ice cream cone or …life -size dinosaurs. He especially loved history, Film Noir, attending Classic Car shows, and was an Elvis look-like in his teen years, (which may have influenced his love of music of the 50s & 60s.)

He was active in the Democratic Party at the city and county levels including serving as
past President and Vice President of the Clifton Democratic Club and as a County Committee member.

Devoted partner of Alice Szepietowski. Cherished brother of John P. Farrell, Patricia O'Malley and her husband James P., III, and the late Dennis Farrell.

Visitation Tuesday October 21, 2025 from 3-7PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. A prayer service will begin at 6PM followed by the presentation of military honors. Cremation will be private.

Please consider making a donation in Gene's memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or Special Olympics at support.specialolympics.org .