A memorial service is planned on campus in the coming weeks.
"He was such a special person," recalled James Salois, '03, who befriended Mr. Farley when both were freshmen in Boston College's Emerging Leader program. "He touched so many people in such a short time.
"I was amazed the way he fought every day. He was one of the most courageous people I've ever met."
Another friend, Nolan Kelly, '03, recalled Mr. Farley's sparkling sense of humor and steadfast defense of the New York Yankees and Jets in the face of jeers from hometown Boston rooters.
"Never in my 20 years," said Kelly, "have I met anyone with such a carefree spirit and a love for life."
Mr. Farley was a 1999 graduate of Cheshire High School, where he was president of the student senate and played varsity baseball.
He is survived by his parents, Glenn and Sheila, and sister, Kaitlyn, of Cheshire, as well as by his grandparents and numerous extended-family members and friends.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Children's Cancer Center of the Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 282 Washington St., Hartford, Conn. 06106.
-Mark Sullivan