The Rev. John A. Farmakis

The Rev. John Farmakis, parish minister and dedicated humanitarian, died on 24 January 2016 at the age of 92.

John A. Farmakis was born in Philadelphia of Greek and Scottish ancestry on 30 August 1923 to Alexander Farmakis and Henrietta (Cunningham) Farmakis. After earning a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946, hoping to serve the mission of the United Nations. After his discharge, he enrolled in Harvard Divinity School, earning an S.T.B. in 1950.

Mr. Farmakis was ordained to the ministry in 1952 by All Souls Universalist Church of Oakland, Maine, while serving a pastorate there (1951-53). After a one-year ministry to First Parish Church of Saugus (Mass.), he served as a U.S. Navy chaplain (1954-56). Then followed his two longest parish ministries: to the UU Society of Stanford, Conn. (1956-70) and to the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence (1970-88). During his career the Rev. Mr. Farmakis was active in Universalist and UU Service Committees, Universalist and UU Historical Societies, and on the UUA’s Overseas and Interfaith Relations Board.

The Rev. Judy Buck-Glenn writes that John “was honest, honorable, kind, and deeply-read, with a keen mind and a passionate commitment to Enlightenment liberalism. He is deeply missed by a small circle of very devoted friends, who feel privileged to have known this quietly-rather-great man.” In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to The John A. Farmakis Memorial Fund, University of Pennsylvania, Associate Director of Gift Planning Services, 3535 Market Street, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3309. Notes of condolence may be sent to his nephew at John.Farmakis@gmail.com.