James T. McFarland, 66, of Haverhill, died Monday, Jan. 5, unexpectedly at his residence.
He was born in Chelsea, October 12, 1948, son of the late Francis and Frances (Smith) McFarland. Educated in the Chelsea school system, McFarland graduated from Chelsea High School. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of SP5. Upon his return, he was employed as a police officer for the City of Lawrence, from where he retired as a detective in 1984. While there McFarland was named Police Officer of the Year and received three Massachusetts Senatorial Citations along with numerous Commendations. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association and the Massachusetts Association of Retired State, County & Municipal Employees. He was also a member of the N.Y Fan-club for the New England Patriots.
His survivors include his wife and best friend of 32 years, Denise E. (Carter) McFarland of Haverhill; a son, Jonathan Samataro of Franklin, N.H.; two brothers, Gregg McFarland of Lawrence and Floyd Rollinson of Hilton, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Emily and Jacob Samataro of Bradford and Gianna and Olivia Samataro of Franklin, N.H. McFarland was also the father of the late Julie McFarland who died in 2012 and brother of the late Carolyn Ladd.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his calling hours on Thursday evening from 5 to 8 at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His Funeral Service will be Friday morning, Jan. 9 at 11 at the Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will be in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in his memory may be made to Riverside Veterinary Clinic, 664 Riverside Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830