Joseph Cleary McFarland, 1953-2026

Joe McFarland, 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning (June 28, 2026), surrounded by his family, after suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Joe will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 41 years, Linda; their three loving children, Ryan McFarland, Katherine Bradigan (Colin) and Daniel McFarland (Taylor); five adoring grandchildren, Vada, Thomas, Nora, Rowan and Benjamin; siblings Ann Renica (Ed), Catherine Thielmann (Jack), Bob McFarland (late Karen), Chris McFarland (Carol), Jeanne O’Donnell (Mike) and Dan McFarland (Peggy); several nieces and nephews; and the countless friends he made along the way.

Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Liccinni (John); a niece, Beth Dinsmore; a great-niece, Anne Mancuso; and a sister-in-law, Karen McFarland.

Born in Salamanca to the late Bob and Margaret McFarland, Joe always lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many adventures and hobbies in his life, including playing basketball, cycling, reading, riding motorcycles, volunteering and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. He also touched the lives of many patients and their families during the 25 years he worked as an ICU nurse at Roswell Park Cancer Institute before retiring in 2015.

After raising their children in Lancaster, Joe and his wife retired to Oldsmar, Florida, where he enjoyed many years soaking up the sunshine, cycling and gardening. In this final chapter of life he shone brightest as “Pa” to his adoring grandkids, all of whom were the apples of his eye.

Joe will be remembered most for his kindness, high energy, humor, ability to see the best in people and gratitude for life. His larger-than-life presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Before passing, Joe wished to express his sincere gratitude to Hospice Buffalo, his son Dan and daughter-in-law Taylor, and his brother Dan and sister-in-law Peggy for all their compassionate and devoted care in his final months.

In accordance with his wishes, no wake or funeral will take place. A celebration of Joe’s life is being planned for the fall in the Buffalo area.

For anyone wishing to honor his memory with a donation, he was a lifelong supporter of the Sierra Club as well as several veteran organizations.