News Summary
The community of Goodyear, Arizona mourns the loss of Ralph Austin Farrow, Jr., who passed away at age 87. A dedicated family man and professional engineer, Farrow’s impact spanned his career and his familial relationships. Survived by his children and grandchildren, Farrow leaves behind a rich history and a legacy of love and accomplishments, including advancements in defense technology. His funeral services are scheduled for September 19, with many expected to honor his memory.
Goodyear, Arizona – Ralph Austin Farrow, Jr. Passes Away at 87, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Family and Accomplishment
Ralph Austin Farrow, Jr., a respected figure in the community of Goodyear, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at the age of 87. A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Farrow lived a life marked by significant professional accomplishments and deep familial ties.
Born on October 25, 1937, to Ralph Austin Farrow, Sr. and Dorothy E. (Pike) Farrow in Providence, Farrow was raised in North Scituate, Rhode Island, where he gained affectionately known as “Austin” among family during his formative years. His early life was heavily influenced by a passion for history and newspapers, leading him to spend considerable time at the Providence library.
Ralph graduated from Classical High School in Providence in 1955 and took his first job during summers at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He experienced significant historical events in his youth, notably the devastation caused by Hurricane Carol in 1954, which left a lasting impression on him and shaped his perspective on resilience and community.
Ralph pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1959, followed by a Master of Science from the University of Connecticut in 1964. It was during his graduate studies that he met Vanessa Elise Smith on a blind date. Vanessa, an art teacher from Syracuse, New York, and Ralph married on July 24, 1965, in a ceremony officiated by her father, a retired pastor.
The couple spent their honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica, after winning an all-expenses-paid trip from a bridal show contest. Their journey together continued for 54 loving years until Vanessa’s passing. Ralph’s dedication to his family was unwavering throughout his life, and he is survived by his son, William S. Farrow; daughter, Wendy L. Martinez, along with her husband Joe S. Martinez; grandson, Joey Austin Martinez; sister, Janet E. King; and numerous extended family members and friends.
In 1964, Ralph began his professional career as an electrical engineer in the sonar systems division at Raytheon, working at facilities in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He played a crucial role in advancements within defense technology during a pivotal era in American history. In 1996, he transitioned to Draco, another defense contractor, where he continued to contribute until his retirement in 2004.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ralph took pride in his rich Rhode Island heritage as a descendant of Roger Williams, the founder of the state, and a 19th-century whaling ship captain. He also pursued lifelong interests in genealogy, history, and New England culture. After retiring, Ralph relocated to Arizona, where he enjoyed the warm climate, delved into reading and genealogy research, and maintained close connections with his children and grandchildren.
Remembered for his quiet strength, sharp intellect, and dry wit, Ralph embodied deep devotion to family and community. His funeral services are scheduled for September 19, 2025, with a visitation from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at West Resthaven Funeral Home in Glendale, Arizona. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with a graveside service set for 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Resthaven Park Cemetery, Glendale, Arizona.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Ralph Farrow
- Wikipedia: Goodyear, Arizona
- Dignity Memorial: Vanessa Farrow
- Google Search: Ralph Farrow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electrical Engineering
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PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
