John “Johnney” Redmond Farley, Jr., age 62 of Farmington Hills, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 13, 2024. He was born on March 17, 1962 to Mary Anne and John Farley, Sr. in Highland Park, Michigan. 

Johnney came into this world with a fight, requiring a complete blood transfusion at birth. This was just the beginning of a life filled with challenges, but also one defined by an unbreakable spirit and an unmatched capacity for love. Though he never had the kind of career that people often use to define themselves, Johnney was defined by something far greater: his boundless love for his family and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. To those who truly knew him, he was a man whose heart was bigger than this world could ever appreciate.

Johnney’s life was one of resilience, enduring hardship after hardship without complaint. He found joy in the simple pleasures—bike rides, movies, music, pizza, Coke, potato chips—and from a young age, developed a fascination with bugs, which he collected with care. 

His love for drawing and creating model spaceships and his passion for science fiction, especially Star Trek and Star Wars, reflected the way he saw life: full of wonder and possibility. He even created a Facebook group called “Spaceships, Engines of the Imagination” where he could share this passion with others.

One of Johnney’s greatest joys was the Michigan weather. He loved the ever-changing skies, especially thunder and lightning storms, and the thrill of heavy rain. He loved to text his family when unusual weather was coming to warn them. Riding his bike through those rains was something that brought him a sense of freedom and happiness. He cherished the time spent with our mother and father, whether it was enjoying ice cream, savoring Coney Island hotdogs, or relaxing by the serene waters of Lake Kensington. Those moments were treasures to Johnney, and his love for family was always at the forefront of his heart.

Johnney also had an immense love for dogs, particularly their noses, which he found endlessly fascinating and endearing. He was the third child of John Redmond Senior and Mary Anne Farley, and he shared a deep bond with his family. He is survived by his sister Leisa (Charles) Passarelli, his brothers Kenneth Farley and Christopher Farley, his beloved nephews Travis and Adam, and his cherished nieces Kaleigh, Tessa, Claire, and Larissa. Johnney loved family gatherings, when he would lay on the floor and pet all the dogs.

Johnney’s greatest transformation came when he found Christianity, becoming a devoted follower of God’s teachings. His faith was unwavering, and even when his body was failing him, his spirit never broke. He fought like hell right up to his final moments, and in the smallest, most touching of gestures, he continued to show his innocence and responsibility. Even on his deathbed, he asked for a Diet Coke, knowing he needed to take care of himself. It was a small act, but it spoke volumes about who Johnney was—someone who cared deeply, even when the world gave him every reason not to. His last words were, “I want to go home”, and because of his faith, we believe he is Home now. 

When our mother, Mary Anne, fell ill, Johnney was by her side every single day, taking care of her with the same dedication and love that he gave to everyone close to him. Her passing in 2020 devastated him, and yet there is some comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with her and our father in heaven. For all the suffering Johnney endured, for every trial he faced, there is peace in knowing that his kind heart is finally at rest, and that he has found his place among the saints.

John had recently gotten his dream truck, and had all kinds of adventures planned. He was very happy before his hospitalization, feeling well and happy with his truck, his new apartment, and his life. 

This world never truly deserved Johnney’s kindness, his endless forgiveness, or his gentle soul. For those of us who were blessed to know and love him, he leaves behind a hole that will never be filled. But we also know that his legacy of love, resilience, and compassion will live on in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to guide us as we remember the wonderful brother, son, uncle and friend that he was.

A memorial gathering for Johnney will be held on Sunday, September 22nd, from 12:00 p.m., until the time of his memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills.

Please consider planting a memorial tree in Johnney’s honor through The Trees Remember Planting Memorial Trees in National Forests - The Trees Remember or make a donation in his name to the National Kidney Foundation.