Help us Remember Former AGC MA President - John A. Farina

JOHN A. FARINA OBITUARY

John A. Farina, age 93, died on Friday, January 12, 2024, in the comfort of his home, blessed with family gathered at his side. John was born December 28, 1930, and raised in Newton's Village of Nonantum, known affectionately as the “Lake” and for its strong Italian heritage.  

The virtues of hard work and unwavering love and loyalty to family were instilled in John and his siblings by their parents, Vincenzo and Angelina (DeMarco) Farina. John graduated from Newton High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Tufts University. He then served two years in the US Army.

In 1958, he married his lifelong love and Watertown native, Josephine A. Nardelli. John and Josephine designed and built their family home in Weston, where they raised their five children.  

John, along with his partners Joseph Farina, Arthur Ceruolo, and Peter Martinello established James Farina Corporation a general contracting company on Adams St. in Newton, which was instrumental in the development of countless commercial construction projects in and around Boston. After more than forty successful years, the James Farina Corporation transitioned from the construction industry to a commercial real estate management company. John was a long-time member of the Associated General Contractors of America serving as a National Trustee and President of the Massachusetts chapter and also served for many years on the Board of Labor Relations.    John humbly and proudly announced his retirement on December 31, 2023!! 

He remained a part of the “Lake” community as a member of Our Lady Help of Christian parish, the Atina San Marco Society where he served as President and then Treasurer, and a founding member of the Ciociaro Social Club. John was a long-time member and past President of the South Humarock Civic Association where he volunteered countless hours as the beloved “Dance Man”. He was also dedicated to the Weston Bays Soccer program. John enjoyed playing golf and was a member of The Woodland Golf Club where he was instrumental in reinstating the Raffaello Golf, Bocce, and BBQ event.  

In addition to his wife, Josephine of 65 years, he leaves his children, Lisa M. Colantonio (Francis) of Holliston, Cynthia A. D’Urso, Brenda M. Negrotti (late John), both from West Newton, John A. Farina, Jr. (Beverly) of Weston, Tricia A. Joyce (Robert) of West Newton; his 11 grandchildren, F. Taylor Colantonio, Briana Colantonio (Christopher) Devlin, Madison Colantonio, Anthony and Joseph D’Urso, Christian and Nicholas Negrotti, Robert, Alexander, Thomas and Angelina Joyce; his siblings, Rita Cannistraro (John) of Osterville, Alfreda Cleveland (late Norman) of Marblehead, Vincent Farina (Natalie) of Newton, and predeceased by Anna and George Hawkins, Joseph and Margaret Farina, Mary and Edmund Nardone,  Elizabeth and Aubrey Hill. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Above all else, John’s love and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy.

Family and friends will honor and remember John’s life by gathering for calling hours at Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St., Waltham on Thursday, January 18 from 4-7 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday at Our Lady Help of Christian Church, 573 Washington St., Newton at 10:30 AM. Please go directly to the church as there will be no morning visiting hours. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Newton Cemetery. Expressions of Sympathy may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.