John "Johnny" Farias III, was born on March 19, 1982, and passed away on January 16, 2024 after a 2 month intensive care hospital stay, where he fought so bravely, but sadly could not overcome his conditions.

John left behind his beloved wife of almost 17 years, Jamie-Lynne Farias, and their cherished son, Johnny Farias. He is also survived by his mother, Valerie Dreyer, and her partner Jerry Barlow; his brother Jason Farias and sister-in-law Linda, and his brother Michael Farias and sister-in-law Sarah; his niece Chrystal and nephews Tyler, Kyle, Ryan, Michael and Devin; his father-in-law, Jim Arundel; and his mother-in-law, Gerry Arundel; a large extended family, both his and Jamie’s, of aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends who are like family as well. 

John graduated from Pilgrim High School in 2001, 3 years after meeting and becoming high school sweethearts with Jamie.  The start of their love story was often a point of good natured teasing between them, as John wooed his way from “friend zone” to boyfriend with the persistence, creativity, and care that he was known for.  John then completed an Associates in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University in 2003. He had a true gift, preparing feasts for his loved ones on special occasions and creating gourmet meals from the simplest ingredients.  He loved to host and was the backbone of many epic Super Bowl parties, football Sundays, birthday parties, and tailgates.  He was also a skilled, knowledgeable, and incredibly hardworking HVAC technician, and often handyman in general as well, working his way from learning on the job in the family business and with other employers, to eventually forming his own company, first with a partner, and then fully on his own.  

John was a man of diverse interests. A diehard fan of Boston sports, especially the New England Patriots, he and Jamie were lucky to have spent many afternoons cheering for them in person at Gillette Stadium, and they even took their pregnancy announcements photos there! They also enjoyed many live music experiences together over the years, with favorites ranging from Metallica to Kenny Chesney. John also always enjoyed watching and listening to stand-up comedy and was incredibly proud to see his cousin Kim Arundel perform at local comedy shows in Rhode Island.

John had a variety of other interests as well- he was a total movie and TV buff- he could quote or name almost any you could think of, especially from the 80s and 90s.  Over the years, he enjoyed many recreational activities with his friends and family, including whitewater rafting and ATV trips in Maine, and numerous cruises; and in his 20s he was a proud member of the Woonsocket Sentinels semipro football team for multiple years.  He and Jamie also enjoyed many seasons of playing coed softball together with their friends.

John cared deeply for his community. He was an active supporter of law enforcement; he also participated in multiple polar plunge fundraising events as a supporter of Project Sweet Peas.

There is so much more to his story, too much to include here.  But if you knew him well, you knew his story- his successes and challenges, his joys and struggles, the light and the dark- as we all have in our own lives.  You knew his work ethic, his passion, his stubbornness, the way he would go above and beyond whenever he could.  You have your memories of him, of who he was to you and how he impacted your life.  How he was often an open book, but at times also one hard to read.  He loved hard and felt deeply, which could be a blessing and a curse.  He had dreams that he worked towards, while also staying grounded in the reality of what needed to get done, of providing for his family, or helping family and friends in any way he was capable of.

In that vein of helping others, a memorial scholarship has been established in John's memory. Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of…

With great sorrow, but also many fond memories, we have had to bid farewell to a loving family man, a loyal friend, and an unforgettable presence. John touched many lives and his loss is deeply felt by all who loved and cared for him. John's legacy will live on through the way we remember him, talk about him, and his place in our hearts and minds.  He is and will always be dearly missed.

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