Obituary

Robert T. Farrell, professor of archaeology, medieval studies and English, died at his home in Interlaken, N.Y., July 31. He was 64.

Farrell joined the Cornell faculty in 1967, distinguishing himself not only in his areas of expertise but also within the Cornell and greater Ithaca communities as a member of the Cornell Savoyards.

Long before the trend toward interdisciplinary scholarship gained momentum, Farrell's professorial duties set him simultaneously in English, medieval studies and archaeology. And even when later beset by illness, he continued to make important contributions to scholarship in each of those fields.

According to friend and colleague Frederick Ahl, Cornell professor of classics, Farrell perhaps was best known by students for his courses on Anglo-Saxon literature, Bede, the Vikings, Chaucer, medieval archaeology and the works of his beloved teacher, J.R.R. Tolkien, with whom Farrell studied at Merton College, Oxford.

Farrell's most well-known scholarly contributions were in archaeology, especially underwater archaeology, where he is considered a pioneer. His most recent work was the investigation of many "turf islands" in Irish freshwater lakes.

Ahl said one of Farrell's most durable contributions to undergraduate education at Cornell was his design of the Emphasis on Writing Program in the 1970s, which became the basis for Cornell's current Freshman Writing Seminar program.

A professional singer, Farrell was a member of the Cornell Savoyards during the 1980s, performing as Grand Duke Rudolph, Sir Joseph Porter, William Shadbolt, Ruthven Murgatroyd, the Pirate King and Lord Mountarrarat; and he also was known for his "Morning Performance" series of Renaissance concerts in the '70s and '80s.

Farrell is survived by his wife, Shari Farrell, of Interlaken; and by his daughters, Eva and Erica of Baltimore. A memorial service was held Aug. 4 at St. Francis Solanus Roman Catholic Church in Interlaken, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial Aug. 5. Prayers of Committal were held at Lake View Cemetery in Interlaken.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Interlaken Public Library, P.O. Box 317, Interlaken, N.Y. 14847. Arrangements are being handled by the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.

A campus memorial service will be held at a later date, to be announced.

For more information, contact Marianne Marsh in the English department, 255-6799, e-mail: mrm4@cornell.edu; or Frederick Ahl, 255-8324, fma2@cornell.edu.