Richard Marvin "Dixie" Farrell
Richard Marvin "Dixie" Farrell died of a stroke Nov. 14 at the age
of 83.
A longtime Saratoga resident, Farrell was a highly decorated veteran of World War II. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, attended high school in Madison, Conn., and went on to the U.S. Naval Academy, where his friends nicknamed him "Dixie." The name stuck with him throughout his life.
He graduated with the class of 1935 and served on the battleships New Mexico and Arkansas. In 1939, he completed submarine training and served on the submarines Snapper, S-35 and Gudgeon. After completing numerous war patrols, he was assigned as executive officer of the USS Hake and subsequently assumed command of the submarines USS Gato and USS Blackfin.
For bravery in action and outstanding service during World War II, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, with gold stars representing two additional Silver Star medals, and received a letter of commendation.
After the war, Farrell served in the Pacific, Europe and the United States as commanding officer of Platte and also as chief of staff to the Chief of Military Assistancy Advisory Group in Madrid.
Retiring after 30 years in the Navy, Farrell worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space until 1975. He and his wife, Eleanor Loughlin, lived in Saratoga for more than 20 years before moving to Los Gatos. He was a member of the Saratoga Men's Club. Admiral Ralph Metcalf, a longtime Saratogan who was a friend of Farrell's for more than 60 years, says he was an avid golfer although never a champion at the sport.
In addition to his wife, Farrell is survived by his daughter, Jo Ann Fazekas of San Francisco; his son, Richard Farrell of Manhattan Beach; and four grandchildren, Roy and Kenneth Orr and Monica and Ryan Farrell.
Private services have been held.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, Wednesday, December 6, 1995
©1995 Metro Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.