Lee R. Farley, 59, of Waterbury passed away on September 14, 2025 after a brief illness while enfolded in the love of his family at St. Mary’s Hospital. Lee leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years Maria (DeSomma) Farley, his daughter Amanda (Farley) Murphy and her husband Patrick of Waterbury, and his son Lee Farley Jr. and his wife Monica of Southington and his cherished granddaughter Olivia Farley.
Besides his devoted wife Maria, daughter Amanda and son Lee Jr., Lee leaves behind his sisters: Tina Soderberg and her husband Erik of Waterbury, Vickie Counts and husband Gary of Ohio, Leslie Auer and husband John of Sherman, and Laura Benson of Waterbury. He was preceded in death by his mother, the late Lillian (Somma) Farley of Waterbury. He is so loved by his countless friends and family. Those who met Lee, knew what an amazing man he was.
After graduating from Crosby High School, he went on to perfect and share his talents as an auto and motorcycle mechanic. As an auto mechanic at Kmart, he met his wife and soul mate Maria in which they were happily married for 37 years. Lee worked various jobs over the years, but his passion was always in motorcycles. He was constantly sought after for his knowledge and wisdom in regard to all things motorcycle.
Cosimo “Doc” D’Occhio was his chosen father and mentor. At 19, Lee was hired at Doc’s Motorcycle Parts of Waterbury to help on the parts counter. In the 30 years he worked for Doc, not only did he work his way up to becoming the General Manager, Lee became a part of the D’Occhio family. After working 30 years at Doc’s Motorcycle Parts, he retired. Most recently, he has been working at Yankee Harley Davidson in Bristol, selling motorcycle parts and spending time talking about motorcycles with everyone who stopped by.
The Farley home was everyone’s home and a favorite place to hangout. Lee became the chosen second father to many of Amanda and Lee Jr.’s friends. He was affectionately known as “Papa Farley” or “Senior.” He was a selfless husband and father. He never asked for a penny for all his hard work and time. Lee had taken care of everyone else, but himself.
Lee and Maria recently enjoyed going on many excursions while joy riding in Lee’s favorite Corvette with their friends. Lee enjoyed weekly motorcycle rides and coffee nights with his great friends at Dunkin Donuts while catching up on each others’ lives.
Family was the center of Lee’s life, he literally wore his heart and love for them on his sleeve. His love, life, and legacy will live on always. After such a profound loss, the Farley Family’s wish is that everyone who loved Lee will take a more serious look at their own health and focus on how precious life is.
All services are private and at the convenience of the family. A future celebration of life will be planned at a later time. Prospect Memorial / The Palmerie Family is honored to care for the Farley family throughout their grief journey and invites you to share your favorite photos, memories and words of comfort on Lee’s tribute wall on this website.
