In Memory Of
Joseph B. Macfarland
1957
2023
Joseph B. Macfarland
November 19, 1957 — May 5, 2023
ALBANY - Joseph (Jody) MacFarland passed away peacefully May 5th, 2023, at his residence in Albany.
Born in Albany in 1957 to Joseph and Madeleine MacFarland, Jody was one of five children and was special in every way.
Having Down's Syndrome in an era when many such children were institutionalized, Jody instead became an absolute joy to his family and everyone he met.
Educated in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District (a long drive from his home in Latham!), he worked for many years at the Albany ARC, where he especially enjoyed socializing with his co-workers, occasionally to the detriment of his work. He had his priorities straight.
Upon his parents' passing, he lived in a number of community residences operated by the ARC, where he made many friends and received exceptionally good care. In his later years, unfairly afflicted with Alzheimer's, ARC staff became his primary family, and provided him all of the love and care that anyone could wish for.
Jody had many joys in life, including (and especially) his family, laughing at good-natured teasing (and teasing back!), sports teams favored by his father, professional wrestling, parades, babies, his Scottish and French heritage, music - ranging from bagpipes to Michael Jackson, and food. He loved to eat! He especially loved holidays with his family, basking in the love he gave and received so freely.
Predeceased by his parents, it should be noted that although he required some additional care in his youth, he returned the favor to his elderly parents in their later years by helping them in many ways, including making 911 calls when needed. He was a lifesaver!
Also predeceased by his brother Phillip and his wife Anne, Jody leaves behind siblings Andrew (Aida), Elizabeth (Marshall), James (Lisa), nieces Morgan, Kate, Natalie, Deia, and Rachel, and nephew Trevor, cousins Roberta, Susan, Janis, and Paul, and Rachel/Trevor's mom Denise.
Calling hours will be held May 16th from 11:30 to 1:30, with a memorial service at 1:30, at the New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Burial to follow at 2:30 in Memory Gardens, where he will be reunited with his mom and dad.
Memorial contributions may be made to the WWA ARC Foundation (wwaarc.org/foundation) in recognition of the remarkable care he received for so many years.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.NewComerAlbany.com
Click here to view Service
Born in Albany in 1957 to Joseph and Madeleine MacFarland, Jody was one of five children and was special in every way.
Having Down's Syndrome in an era when many such children were institutionalized, Jody instead became an absolute joy to his family and everyone he met.
Educated in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District (a long drive from his home in Latham!), he worked for many years at the Albany ARC, where he especially enjoyed socializing with his co-workers, occasionally to the detriment of his work. He had his priorities straight.
Upon his parents' passing, he lived in a number of community residences operated by the ARC, where he made many friends and received exceptionally good care. In his later years, unfairly afflicted with Alzheimer's, ARC staff became his primary family, and provided him all of the love and care that anyone could wish for.
Jody had many joys in life, including (and especially) his family, laughing at good-natured teasing (and teasing back!), sports teams favored by his father, professional wrestling, parades, babies, his Scottish and French heritage, music - ranging from bagpipes to Michael Jackson, and food. He loved to eat! He especially loved holidays with his family, basking in the love he gave and received so freely.
Predeceased by his parents, it should be noted that although he required some additional care in his youth, he returned the favor to his elderly parents in their later years by helping them in many ways, including making 911 calls when needed. He was a lifesaver!
Also predeceased by his brother Phillip and his wife Anne, Jody leaves behind siblings Andrew (Aida), Elizabeth (Marshall), James (Lisa), nieces Morgan, Kate, Natalie, Deia, and Rachel, and nephew Trevor, cousins Roberta, Susan, Janis, and Paul, and Rachel/Trevor's mom Denise.
Calling hours will be held May 16th from 11:30 to 1:30, with a memorial service at 1:30, at the New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Burial to follow at 2:30 in Memory Gardens, where he will be reunited with his mom and dad.
Memorial contributions may be made to the WWA ARC Foundation (wwaarc.org/foundation) in recognition of the remarkable care he received for so many years.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.NewComerAlbany.com
Click here to view Service
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph B. Macfarland, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
11:30am - 1:30 pm (Eastern time)
New Comer Cremations & Funerals
Service
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Starts at 1:30 pm (Eastern time)
New Comer Cremations & Funerals
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