Obituary of William John Farella

William John Farella died on February 27, 2021.  He was being treated for cancer for the past several years.

Billy was born almost 67 years ago to Adele Sensale and William Farella in Staten Island, New York.  He attended the Academy of St. Dorothy and graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School in 1972, where he was a member of the undefeated Farrell Lions varsity football team.  The teammates he had there remained his closest friends and support system to this day as they spent many hours reminiscing about their “Glory Days”. 

Billy decided to experience a different environment from New York City and headed south to college, where he graduated from the University of Virginia in 1976 with a BS in Architecture.  While there he met his wife of almost 40 years, the former Janet Littlejohn.  After they married, they settled in Arlington, Virginia where they raised daughters Adele and Emily.

During his 40 year career, Billy worked at a variety of architectural firms such as AECOM, Ellerbe Becket, CallisonRTKL, VVKR  and most recently at Veteran Design & Construction.  In the latter half of his career he managed a wide variety of project types, with a heavy concentration in healthcare. Many of the projects were international, and Billy spent time overseeing projects in Dubai and Mozambique.

International travel permeated his personal life as well, and he and Janet took their daughters to Europe and Latin America for many school vacations.  They especially loved going back again to Italy, where Billy could indulge his love of architecture, food, and fine leather goods.

Family was a constant throughout Billy’s life, his childhood surrounded by his parents and sister, aunts, uncles and he was especially close to his eighteen first cousins, all of whom grew up with him in the New York metropolitan area. He was so happy to share his extended family with Janet, Adele and Emily, making the yearly trek to New York for the holidays.

Another constant in Billy’s life were his creative outlets: drawing, writing, and especially his enjoyment of music.  Since he first joined Facebook, Billy spent hours combing the internet and posting videos of his favorite musicians.

He was predeceased by his parents, Adele and Bill Farella.  He is survived by his wife, Janet, daughters Adele Farella and Emily Farella Porter, son-in-law Cayce Porter and grandson Bennett Porter, sister Adriana Farella, aunt Gloria DelleDonne, nieces, nephews and many cousins.  His Farrell brothers are also mourning his loss.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore or the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington Virginia for the many healthcare angels who gave their all to help Billy through his health challenges.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at a later date.