Michael J. Farley of Monee, IL has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
Here is the shape of a life remembered with love.
Michael held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of service shapes more than the one who serves.
Michael J. Farley, age 73 of Alsip, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Michael was born in Chicago, IL on September 24, 1952, and grew up in the Little Flower parish. After a brief stint in seminary school (where his highest praise of the institution went to the food prepared by Spanish nuns), he returned to graduate from Little Flower ('69) before he joined the US Army ('71) and was assigned to a post in South Korea (despite requesting Vietnam – twice). Korea is where he would meet his wife, Aeja, and after 2 tours, they both returned to Chicago where they were wed at St. Thomas More ('72).
Michael served in the US Army until 1979 when he was honorably discharged from Ft. Sill, OK at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received many awards and commendations while in service to the Army, but the one he was most proud of was the Army Commendation Medal, awarded in 1978 for "outstanding service at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, while consistently performing all aspects of his duties as a Drill Sergeant. . . . Farley is a 'Jack of All Trades' and has 'Mastered' them all."
After the Army, Michael worked on his professional career, achieving a Bachelor of Science from Cameron University in Lawton, OK, and two Masters degrees from Illinois Benedictine College – Master of Management Information Services and Master of Business Administration.
For many decades, Michael spent his free time running. During his years with Central Steel & Wire, he often ran to and from work, sometimes twice if you include his lunch break. He ran while on vacations (often before his wife and daughter were awake). He ran in many marathons across the country, and his greatest claim to running fame was qualifying for the Boston Marathon. It's been said (most likely by himself or his wife), the number of miles he ran could circle the earth.
Most importantly, Michael was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to those in his life. His loud, booming voice (rivaled only by the T-Rex in Jurassic Park) will be missed by his loved ones.
Michael is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Aeja Farley, and his one and only daughter, Lisa Farley. In addition, Michael is survived by his siblings, Jan (Leonard) Phillips, Eileen (Ralph) Cabrera, Carol (Don) Bohling, Kathy (Bob) Nicholson, and Kevin (Julie Smith) Farley; his godchildren, Christine Steadman, Sam Evanoff, and Leata Farley; and his many nieces and nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in passing by both parents, Stephen Sr. and Kathleen Farley, his older brother, Stephen Jr., and his sisters, Nancy and Kathleen (infant).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Korean United Methodist Church of South Suburban Chicago, 19320 Kedzie Ave, Homewood, IL. Funeral and worship service will follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m., with food and fellowship after the service.
Family and friends to gather for a graveside service on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Skyline Memorial Park Cemetery, 24800 S Governors Hwy, Monee, IL (meet at the cemetery office).
Please leave a memory for the family on Michael's Tribute Wall; your stories will bring comfort to his family. www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878
