Obituary of Joseph Farel

Mr. Farel, 79, of Charlotte passed away on Monday, March 16, 2009, at his home. He was born September 22, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, son of the late Joseph Rocco Ficarella and Grace Galietto Ficarella. Mr. Farel started his apparel manufacturing business, Trimline Foundations, in the early 1960?s in Charlotte. In the mid-80?s he moved manufacturing operations to South Fork, PA. He divided his time between Charlotte and South Fork and became very involved in and loved the South Fork community. Mr. Farel continued to work with and thoroughly enjoy his business, Empire Intimates, until 2007 when his health prevented his involvement. Mr. Farel is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Hill Grubbs Farel, and their four children: Matthew Farel and his wife, Lia of Rockport, MA; Marcy McKean and her husband, Tom of Atlanta, GA; Douglas Farel of Charlotte; and Amy Merrill and her husband, Jonathan of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Kate, Emily and Reed Farel; Thomas, Mary Elizabeth and Caroline McKean; Jake Farel; Jack, Davis and Will Merrill; and by his sister Marie Hamel and her husband Jack of Danville, CA. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Iris Ann Gappa. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Myers Park United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at their home and following the memorial service in Jubilee Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 or First United Methodist Church of South Fork, 500 Maple Street, South Fork, PA 15956.