Joseph Farnan

Joseph Martin Farnan passed away on June 3, 2025, just two weeks prior to what would have been his 87th birthday. Born on June 18, 1938, in Locust Valley, New York, Joe was the youngest child of Bernard and Sarah (Gordon) Farnan, both immigrants from Ireland.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy, his daughter Jacqueline and son-in-law Robert, his son Christopher, his daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Mark. He was the grandfather of Ash, Savannah and husband Eric, Alexandria, Emily and husband Daniel, Amanda and husband Glenn, Kyle, and William. He was the great-grandfather of Brooklyn, Sawyer, Owyn, Cooper, Oakley, and Liv.

Joe grew up in Glen Cove, New York. He was close to all his siblings and was predeceased by brother John and wife Rose, brother William, sister Catherine and husband Donald, and sister-in-law Joan. He is survived by his brother Ben (Joan) and sister-in-law Helen (William).

On August 27, 1960, at the young age of 22, Joe married his beloved lifelong companion, Judy Maloney, and they headed west. Their honeymoon was the old Route 66 drive across the country from New York to California to begin their married life together in the Los Angeles area. They settled in Covina and were blessed with three children, later moving to LaVerne, where Joe designed and participated in the construction of their family home. Joe was a master craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands, taking on home projects that improved both the beauty and functionality of their home.

Joe’s arrival in California coincided with one of the largest post-war construction booms in history. This provided him with the opportunity to forge a career in the plumbing industry and in 1973, after establishing his expertise in commercial plumbing, he and Judy founded JM Farnan Co. As a business owner Joe was known for his commitment to excellence and high integrity. He and Judy built a successful business, and they welcomed their son, Chris, into the business where he developed his talent in the trade. This partnership continued the growth and success of JM Farnan Co., and upon Joe and Judy’s retirement, the business continued to flourish under Chris’ leadership.

Joe generously offered his time and energy to the community and charitable work throughout his lifetime. As members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Irwindale, Joe and Judy found a strong community that provided Joe with the opportunity to develop his leadership skills in service to the Church. He spent many years devoted to the Knights of Columbus, having served as Grand Knight of the Bishop Comboni Council, where, in addition to community service, lifelong friendships were formed that have stood the test of time.

Joe was an active member of the LaVerne Rotary Club for many years and was dedicated to their mission of Service Above Self. He served in multiple Rotary leadership roles including as Club president. Joe served the Mt. Springs Owners Association board of directors, including as president of the Association. His deep knowledge and expertise in construction was highly valued in his community, where he selflessly served the city of LaVerne on its City Planning Commission.

Beyond Joe’s professional success, he was an avid golfer, a passion he shared with Judy. They were fortunate to travel the world on wonderful golf trips with many close friends. In retirement, Joe’s “happy place” was always the winter season at The Lakes in Palm Desert – where, if he was not playing the course, he was sitting on the patio overlooking the fairway watching others play. He was also known to love to sweeten play with a wager among friends. His skill afforded him many wins, as his game remained strong to the end, with a score that consistently matched his age, into his mid-eighties.

Joe was treasured by his family and friends. Family gatherings were occasions filled with laughter, warmth and shared memories and Joe brought joy to every celebration with a twinkle in his blue eyes. He touched the lives of many with his profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious, outgoing nature. Joe was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone. He had that rare gift of building community wherever he found himself.

As we say goodbye to Joe, we hold close to the many ways he enriched our lives. His legacy is not only the tangible accomplishments he leaves behind but lives on in the love he instilled in others.

Joe passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family. His loss leaves us with a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit remains in the memories we share and the stories we tell. Rest in peace, dear Joe. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on:

Date:        July 11, 2025

Time:         9:45am            Family eulogies and video remembrance

              10am              Funeral Service

              11:15am – 2pm Reception and Celebration of Life

Church Location: Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church

                    725 E. Bonita Avenue

                    San Dimas, CA

Reception Location:   Faith Lutheran Church

                      505 E. Bonita Avenue

                 San Dimas, CA 

Following the service, the family warmly invites you to join them for a reception to celebrate his life at Faith Lutheran Church parish hall located two blocks away.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Joe’s memory to:

            The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center at Pomona Valley Hospital