Berkshire Senior Online

Tom Kelly Excellence in Volunteering Award
Finalist Profile: Joseph Farrell
By Dorinda Gamberdella

Joseph Farrell, better known as "Grandpa Chotch" to his family, has been volunteering at Elder Services since August, 1998. Joe, a native of Pittsfield, has spent his almost 80 years here. He attended Pittsfield High School, went to the University of Massachusetts and then on to Tufts University, where he studied dentistry. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps for two years. He returned to Pittsfield and practiced with Dr. Farrell Sr. for 10 of his 52 years as a dentist.

Farrell married AnneMarie Cowhig of Lenox and now he feels blessed indeed with his nine children, 27 grandchildren and 48 years of marriage. Grandpa "Chotch" got his nickname from spending hours with his young children teaching them how to Cha-Cha-Cha. Down through the years the grandchildren shortened it from Cha-Cha, to Chotch.

ES: Tell us some of the things you find rewarding as a volunteer.

JF: I enjoy seeing the people so much. I think many of them are lonely and I may be the only person they see all week long. I love to hear the stories about their cats, dogs, and what has gone on in their lives during the week. It’s very rewarding.

ES: What are some of the challenges you face as a volunteer?

JF: I find it a bit of a challenge to keep everybody happy. I want everybody to be happy but sometimes, its difficult to accomplish that.

ES: We really appreciate your work as a volunteer for Elder Services. What other interests do you have?

JF: I am a lector at St. Theresa Church. I also enjoy golf. My son is a golf pro at Harbourtown Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina. More than golfing, I love being around my family. The most wonderful thing is that they all love getting together, too. It’s pretty difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedule; our children (5 girls, 4 boys) are spread out all over the place! My son has planned an 80^th birthday celebration for me at Hilton Head. Everybody is coming. He has rented us a 14 room house on the ocean and is planning all sorts of golf and tennis tournaments, sailing expeditions, and lots of activities for all. We’re calling it "Commotion on the Ocean." And believe me, there will be lots of commotion!

ES: Would you be willing to share some little known fact about yourself?

JF: I like to write poems for birthday gifts or special occasions. I also love to grow tomatoes. I even harvest the seeds from my ripe tomatoes, dry them, and plant them the following next year. I don’t really have much luck with the seeds I cultivate myself. The seed companies do a much better job than I do.

ES: We are so grateful to you and volunteers like you who help us meet the needs of Berkshire County elders. What are you grateful for in your life?

JF: I guess you can tell I am really grateful for my wife and family. I am so glad that everybody in our family enjoys each other’s company. What could be better than that?