Robert James Farley (father, husband, grandfather, friend, teacher, coach, veteran, raconteur, Villanova fan, Eagles critic) of King of Prussia, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at his home in the company of his loving wife, Irene. He was 89.

Son of the late James A. Farley and Margaret Brewster Farley, Bob was born on August 11, 1932 in Upper Darby, PA. He graduated from St. Alice's Catholic School in 1946 and remained lifelong friends with some of his kindergarten classmates with whom he enjoyed monthly lunches at Maggie O'Neill's in Drexel Hill.  Bob graduated from West Catholic High School in 1950 and Villanova University in 1956.  Following his undergraduate studies, Bob went on to serve as a cryptologist in the United States Army.  After being honorably discharged, Bob went on to earn several graduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania where he met his beloved wife, Irene, while they were pursuing their PhDs.

Bob's career as a college and high school science teacher spanned many decades and included many local schools such as LaSalle University, Jersey City State University, Chestnut Hill College, Devon Preparatory School, and Malvern Preparatory School.  He retired from teaching at Central High School in Philadelphia in 1993.

During his teaching career, Bob also found time to coach men's basketball, men's track and field, men's cross country, women's track and field, and women's cross-country teams.  He started the first women's track and field team at Central High School and was the JV basketball coach of the former Temple and University of Penn men's basketball coach, Fran Dunphy.

In 1984, Bob and his wife Irene served as US Olympic Track and Field officials in Los Angeles.  Bob was also a long time official at the Penn Relays racking up over 50+ years of service alongside his wife, daughter Erin, and son-in-law Eric.  He received the Herman J. Mancini Award chosen by his fellow officials and the Steinbrenner Family Heritage Award for over 100 years of combined family service to the Relays.  He retired as Chief of the High Jump in 2014. Bob also officiated many other events including the New York City Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon, the Millrose Games, the Big East Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and the Father Judge Relays.  In addition to being dedicated to the sport of track & field, Bob was also a swimming and diving official for many years in the Philadelphia region.

Bob loved Villanova basketball and as a friend of the late Coach Jack Kraft, Bob became the first Villanova Men's Basketball season ticket holder.  He enjoyed going to the games with his daughter Erin and his granddaughter Shannon who have continued his Villanova legacy.  He now has the best seat in the house to continue to cheer on the Wildcats this season.

Bob enjoyed cheering on his youngest grandsons, Nick & Luke, in soccer and ice hockey, as well as vacationing with them and his daughter Robin in Stone Harbor, NJ, and South Beach, FL.  He also enjoyed watching his grandson Colin's college roller hockey games and grandson Sean's high school musical theater and college acapella performances.

Bob was the beloved husband of Irene Halasz Farley for 55 years.  He was the loving and devoted father of Erin Friday (Eric) and Robin Farley.  He was Old Granddad to Colin, Sean, Shannon, Nick, and Luke, loving brother to the late Philip A. Farley (survived by Dympna), and favorite uncle of Robert Moore (Anne), Margo Jacobson (Jake), Dale Moore (Lisa), Raymond Moore (Andrea), Margaret Schneider (Matt), Philip Farley (Amy), Alicia Farley (Ryan Stowell), and many great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited on Tuesday, October 5, at 9:30 AM for visitation followed by the 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 1229 East Lancaster Ave, Rosemont, PA.

Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul Cemetery, 1600 Sproul Road, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Villanova University Track & Field Program, c/o Marcus O'Sullivan, 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085