Matthew T. Farrell, Jr, 58, died September 7, in St Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, surrounded by his family and friends. Born June 28, 1955, he was formerly of Stratford and a resident of Monroe for the last 31 years.

Two dear sisters, Linda Piccuillo, and her husband Ron, of Newtown and Lorraine Inzerra, and her husband Phil, of the Huntington area of Shelton; his devoted wife Lucy (Caruso) Farrell; two sons of whom he was very proud, Matthew T. Farrell III and Nicholas S. Farrell; his loving mother Frances Wignall of Stratford; several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews; as well as many close friends survive Mr Farrell. He was predeceased by his father Matthew T. Farrell, and stepfather Edward Wignall.

Mr Farrell worked many years at the Connecticut Post and the Stamford Advocate/Greenwich Times newspapers and later at Pomeroy IT Solutions.

He enjoyed gardening, loved animals, the outdoors, and working on motorcycles.

Mr Farrell was an organ donor, saving and improving the quality of several lives. The family would like to thank everyone for their support in this difficult time as well as the nurses and doctors at St Vincent's Intensive Care Unit who saw to his comfort through his final days.

A private memorial service took place September 13, at St Michael Cemetery, Stratford, where his ashes were buried near his father. A celebration of his life will take place Friday, September 20, at The Stone Barn Restaurant at the Whitney Farms Golf Course, 175 Shelton Road (Route 110), Monroe, from 6 to 10 pm. Family and friends are invited to attend and are encouraged to share an anecdote or memento of their relationship with him.

Donations in his memory may be made to the West Haven Animal Shelter, 7 Collis Street, West Haven CT 06516.