Marlene Solga Farley March 21st, 1931-September 9th, 2019
Marlene and George Farley met as young children in grade school and fell in love at the age of nine. Both graduated in 1948 from Somerville High School. After years of courtship, George and Marlene married December 23th, 1951. Soon after, George was stationed in the United States Air Force in Ohio. Marlene packed her bags and joined her husband there. While in Ohio, in 1954 their first child, Sherry, was born.
In 1956, after the tragic death of George's mother Margaret Farley, the couple returned to live in Flagtown with their daughter and to raise George's baby brother, Jimmy. Jimmy was 4 years old at the time of his mother's death.
Together as a family, George, Marlene, Sherry and Jimmy settle in New Jersey. One year later, their youngest child, Robbie, was born. George took over ownership of Farley’s Tavern where he worked with his father, Ike Farley and remained working at the tavern for the next 45 years. George and Marlene bought property and build their home in Flagtown in 1964 where they remained throughout their lives.
Once the children were of school age, Marlene began working and took a position as a school secretary in Woodfern Elementary School in Hillsborough. Marlene continued to work in the school until her retirement after 25 years.
All remember the beauty of the Farley home. Marlene took great pride in designing every room to perfection. She had a distinct talent and vision for beauty and decorating. Marlene knew just what to buy and designed her home to be polished and welcoming. George worked tirelessly on the yard keeping the landscape perfectly manicured.
Known for her quiet demeanor and grace, Marlene was always supportive and loyal to her husband and family. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and true friend to so many.
The days before Marlene left this earth, she was surrounded by her family. The last day of her life, on a beautiful September day, the sun was shining. Sherry spent time with her mom that afternoon and at the end of the day, the priest came for his final visit to the Farley home to give Marlene her last rights. As the sun went down ending the day, with her trusted aide, Jackie by her side and her grand daughter, Gwyn holding her hand, Marlene took her last breath. Gwyn recalled feeling a strong presence in the room. She was sure her grandfather was there to meet his wife again. For a short time a gentle mist of rain fell and moments later the clouds opened to reveal a beautiful, vibrant sunset. It was as if heaven had welcomed Marlene to join George and come home.
George R. Farley lived to age 87. Known to his family as “Sonny” and to his friends, as “Cheese” , he resided in Flagtown, New Jersey for most of his life.
Cheese was the longest living member and Ex-Chief of the Flagtown Fire Department, Company # 36 founded by his grandfather, George Marshall Farley in 1937.
After a period of time studying at Rutgers University, George joined the United States Air Force in 1951 where he became a flight mechanic for the Strategic Air Command (SAC). George was a proud veteran of the Korean War.
George was a proud member of the Brotherhood of Freemasons and the Benevolent and Protective order of the Elks (BPOE). He also served on the Hillsborough School Board and Zoning Board. George was a lifelong, proud democrat and a patriot with a strong allegiance and love for country.
“Cheese” Farley was a historian of the small town where he lived. He would tell story after story of the days gone by remembering details long forgotten by others. He had a keen memory, mind of his own, a strong character of moral values, a sharp wit, and loyalty to his those he held dear.
George R. Farley, (AKA Sonny / Cheese) was a man who would tell it like he saw it. Some might not agree with him but all would respect him. He was a man who dedicated his life to serving others and was the rock of the Farley Family.
Marlene Solga Farley and George Ralph Farley are survived by their daughter, Sherry Marchie and her husband Robert, their son George Robert Farley, his sister Margaret Elizabeth Farley, his brother James Marshall Farley and his wife, Cindy, Marlene's sisters Elaine Solga Curtis and Isabella Solga Stryker and Marlene and George's grandchildren: Graham Carley and wife, Cara, Gwyn Farley, Kandyce Farley, and five beloved great-grandchildren: Hope, Mia, Layne, Adrian, Jonah and many nieces and nephews.
Two lives so beautiful and meaningful will be honored and celebrated privately by the Farley family.