Russell A. Farra, Jr.

 

Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Edna (Sheets) and Russell A. Farra, Sr.  

 

An area resident his entire life, he retired in 1980 from the Reading R.R. as a Train Engineer and was the oldest licensed Steam Engineer Operator in the Country.  He also worked as a steam engine engineer at the Wilmington and Western R.R. at the Green Bank Station.

 

Russell belonged to the Parkesburg Baptist Church.

 

He was a member of the Brandywine Goddard Lodge #383 F. & A.M. of Coatesville, the Parkesburg Lions Club and the Flutter Wheels Square Dance Club.

 

He restored a 1958 Piper Tripacer.  He liked to hunt and play golf.  He placed 2nd in the nation in a Rifleman Competition. 

 

He is survived by his three children: Nancy Mattson of Gap, Richard L. Farra, husband of Beverly, of Parkesburg and Allen R. Farra, fiancee of Karen, of Parkesburg; eight grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and eight great, great grandchildren.

 

He was predeceased by his sister, Haggar Farra.

 

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, followed by interment in the Atglen Presbyterian Cemetery.  

 

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing at the Funeral Home on both Monday evening from 6 until 8 PM (a Masonic Service will be held at 8), and again on Tuesday morning from 10 until the time of the service.  

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russell's memory to the Parkesburg Baptist Church,103 West Street  Parkesburg, PA 19365.