Obituary of George Farrall DR

Rexford-Dr. George A. Farrall, an internationally recognized scientist and long-time resident and historian of Rexford, passed away on January 17, 2010 after a long illness. Dr. Farrall graduated from Tufts University with a bachelor's degree in physics in 1953 and a Master of Arts degree in physics in 1955. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of science from Tufts University in 1982. Dr. Farrall joined the General Electric Company in 1955 and became a staff member of the GE Research and Development Center in 1957. His specialty was electrical discharges in gaseous and vacuum ambients and his work contributed to advances in power circuit breakers, X-ray technology, light and heavy-duty electrical contact phenomena, and lighting. Dr. Farrall published over 70 papers in peer-reviewed technical journals, wrote 30 patents while at General Electric and was a consultant on the CAT Scan and MRI for G.E. Medical Systems. In 1970, he was elected to membership in the Current Zero Club, an international group of experts in switchgear technology. In 1992, Dr. Farrall was the recipient of the Dyke award for "distinguished work on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum" by the International Symposium of Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum in Darmstadt, Germany. Dr. Farrall was frequently referred to as a "Renaissance Man." He was a skilled pianist who delighted friends and family with improvisations of music from the twenties to the nineties, a master gardener who lectured for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, an active member of the Lake George Power Squadron, and an amateur historian whose interest in the Rexford community led to the publication of the book, The Amusement Park at Rexford in 2003. Adept at all types of mechanical skills including carpentry and electrical wiring, Dr. Farrall built his own home on the site of the old Dolly Park, a popular amusement area during the early nineteen hundreds and the subject of his 2003 book. His interests and expertise also included tennis, antiques, early American history, and restoration. He enjoyed sailing on Sacandaga Reservoir and loved the National Seashore at Cape Cod. Dr. Farrall was the son of Dr. Byron Huntley Farrall and Beatrice Woods of Groton, MA. Dr. Farrall is survived by Judith Farrall, his wife of 56 years and his three children, Dr. Melissa Farrall (Robert Barrie), Mark Farrall Judith), and Dr. Kenneth Farrall(Jennifer); seven grandchildren, Nolan and Lucas (Farrall) Barrie of Merrimack, NH, Dylan and Dannielle Farrall of Scotch Plains, NJ, and Myles, Eric, and Kathryn Farrall of Philadelphia, PA; his sister, Marianne Wood, and several nieces and cousins and their families. He was predeceased by his brother, Huntley. A memorial service will be Saturday April 24, 2010 at 3 PM at the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, 1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady, NY. The Farrall family wishes to thank the exceptionally kind and loving staff at Ellis Hospital and the staff of Hospice of Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mohawk-Hudson Planned Parenthood and the First Unitarian Society.