JOSEPH ARTHUR FARREN

Joseph Arthur Farren, 79, passed away on March 13th, 2026. He was born on Nov. 25th, 1946, in Stockton, to William and Ester.

Joe graduated from Galt High School in 1965. After graduating, he traveled to Washington to be an apprentice baker for the airlines, before being drafted to the Army. When he returned from service, Joe married the love of his life, Donna, in 1968. They started their family just a few years later, having three sons together.

Joe had experience in many different areas. From setting pins at the bowling alley as a young boy, and begrudgingly milking cows at the family farm; to cooking, baking, bartending, pizza making, plastering and hod carrying.

Joe had a love for cooking, in which he learned as a very young boy by helping his mother run her restaurants. Some of those restaurants included the well known Pizza Bank and Pizza Palace in Galt, which he helped with as a young adult. Joe continued to enjoy cooking throughout his life, and especially enjoyed special moments in the kitchen cooking with his grandchildren. Although he was pretty much a jack of all trades, his true expertise was as a hod carrier and plasterer. He proudly owned and operated his plastering business for many years.

Joe also spent many years at the ball fields, beginning with his own sons as they grew up. Not only was he a sports dad, but also a coach, who gave his time to many other Galt youth as well. When he became a grandfather many years later, he was there to cheer on his grandchildren too, no matter what sport or activity.

Other hobbies that Joe enjoyed were gold panning, playing cards, and sharing stories with his family, like how he became blood brothers with Christian Brown as an infant.

Anyone that knew Joe would describe him as a truly kind, calm, patient and absolutely hard working man. He was a great son, brother, uncle and friend to many, but he was truly the best husband, father and grandfather.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father William Farren, mother Ester Robson, stepfather Norman Robson, sister Donna Lamping (nephew Cliff Lamping Jr.), brother Bill Farren (nephew Phillip Oliver), sisters Lilene and Betty, and brother Roy George.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 58 years, Donna Farren; his children, Justin Farren (Atsuko), Dereck Farren, and Kevin Farren (Janine); and his six grandchildren, Chloe, Jordyn, William, Elijah, Adrian, and Gianna.

A celebration of life is being planned for later this summer, when all of his grandchildren can be home to celebrate him. Details to come, but please plan to come and share your stories, while we remember and celebrate our wonderful and unforgettable Joe.

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