Matthew Timothy Farrey

Matthew Farrey (57) passed away earlier this month at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. Matthew was born May 1, 1968, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the fifth child of Leonard and Margaret (McMaster) Farrey. He graduated from Doherty Memorial High School, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and American University where he received his master’s in political science. Matthew found his purpose early in life. His deep passion for the founding ideals of America led him to a career in service to a just world for all people. His powerful voice for accessible healthcare, affordable higher education, and stronger electoral processes reached far and wide. Matthew began his career at the League of Women Voters and most recently worked with Protect Our Care. In his extensive career in purposeful fundraising, he raised over $60 million, wrote countless impactful essays and changed many minds and hearts. Matthew’s commitment to serving those most vulnerable among us was the driving force behind his impact.

Although Matthew lived most of his adult life in the DC area, he had deep roots in Worcester that he nurtured and tended. Matthew was a proud son, brother, and uncle to his large family. He came home to Worcester often to spend time with his beloved parents, siblings and school friends. Matthew was a committed friend to many in the DC area and in Worcester. He kept in touch; he was always there with a kind word, thoughtful insight, or strong back. Matthew loved to share his life lessons with aspiring leaders, many of whom he mentored for years. Matthew loved our New England sports teams. He not only attended many a game, but he also determinedly let you know of New England’s dominance in all sports. He loved to show up at a Nationals game proudly wearing his Red Sox shirt and always a baseball cap. Later in life Matthew found joy in running, completing 7 half-marathons.

To know Matthew, was to know a man who had a large, but subtle presence. He was smart, thoughtful, full of optimism and wit, and even a bit quirky. He loved a joke especially on his own behalf, and his smile was always comforting.

Matthew is survived by his siblings; Kathleen Flanigan of Worcester, Brian Farrey (Debra) of Cedar Grove, NJ, David Farrey of Westborough and Eileen Peltier of Whitinsville; a nephew and five nieces: Patrick (Kristina) Flanigan, Meaghan (Ted) Flanigan/Durkin, Allison (Tony) Hardie, Madeline (Matthew) Andriulli, Marta Peltier (Sam Lofts), and Olivia Peltier; four great-nephews and a great-niece: Ryan, Gavin, and Sophia Flanigan, and Jack and Peter Durkin; and an uncle, Timothy (Kathy) McMaster of Mashpee as well as many cousins.

A celebration of Matthew’s life will be on June 14, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Beechwood Hotel located at 363 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. A recording of the celebration will be available for viewing in the days following the service through this website. A celebration of Matthew’s life will also be in Alexandria, Virgina later this month. To honor Matthew, the family asks that donations be made in his name to either Protect Our Care https://www.protectourcare.org/matt-farrey/ or to a scholarship fund family and friends are establishing at the League of Women Voters. https://www.lwv.org/givetribute