Concetta "Connie" Farley
Concetta “Connie” DeSimone Farley passed away peacefully on February 23, 2023 at home, at the age of 87, surrounded by her family and pets. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and a friend to many.
Connie was born on March 10, 1935, in Detroit Michigan, and grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was third of six siblings. She grew up in a family that appreciated the arts, and from a young age, she had a deep adoration for music and fine art. After graduating from high school and marrying Bob Farley, she moved to Albuquerque, where in 1968, Connie and Bob’s mutual love of music led them to open Bob Farley Music Center. With its impressive selection of musical instruments and accessories, the store quickly became a staple in the Albuquerque community. The Farleys were passionate about music education, and they wanted to make it easier for students to access quality instruments. They worked tirelessly with the New Mexico Public School System to provide band instruments to students throughout the state, ensuring that every child had the opportunity to learn and play music. Connie and Bob’s music center was a hub for musicians and music lovers, and it was a place where people could come together to share their love of music. The store was more than just a business, and Connie was at the heart of it all.
In 1980, Connie decided to combine her love of art and business acumen, she opened Concetta D. Gallery. Connie’s fine art gallery was truly one of a kind. Her passion for art was evident in every piece of artwork that she showcased. From paintings to sculptures, she had an eye for the most beautiful and exquisite fine art. She had a talent for creating a warm and welcoming environment in her gallery, making her customers feel at home. Her dedication to promoting the work of her artists was unmatched, and she was a driving force in the fine art community for over 43 years. Connie’s legacy in the art world is immeasurable and her contributions will not be forgotten. The gallery will remains open.
It is evident that Connie was a loyal and devoted friend. Her kind and generous spirit made her an invaluable part of her friends’ lives and her loss will be deeply felt.
Most of all, Connie was a devoted mother to her 4 children: Mark, Jeff, Anne and Bo, and a loving grandmother to her grandchildren: Spencer and Aidan.
Connie was preceded in death by her father, James DeSimone and her mother, Lena DeSimone of Portsmouth, VA, her sons, Mark Farley and Jeffrey Farley of Albuquerque NM, her brother, Dr. Kenneth DeSimone of Green County, KY, Bob Farley, former husband and father of her children of Albuquerque, NM, and her loving companion Arlen Asher of Albuquerque, NM.
She is survived by her daughter Anne Farley and grandson, Aidan Farley Dunn, her son Bo Farley and his wife Kelly Farley, and grandson Spencer Farley of Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by her beloved sisters and brothers: Mary Lepore of NC, Joseph DeSimone, and his wife, Josephine DeSimone of Portsmouth, VA, Linda DeSimone of Portsmouth, VA, and Frank DeSimone of Portsmouth, VA. Other survivors are her many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and, numerous life-long friends.
It is important to recognize and honor Connie’s devoted caregivers: Kristian Pettine, Jill Kitteridge, and Keri Bugarin. Thank you for your tireless work. You are truly, shining examples of love and compassion. Please join us for a “Celebration of Connie’s Life” directed by pastor Steve Stucker, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11:00 am at New Covenant Church, 7200 Holly Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.