Jeremy Farrell, a managing director at LeFrak and former corporate counsel to Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, died last night. He was 44.
Farrell, well-known in real estate circles, had previously served as head of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority — but, in recent years, he had become synonymous with the Newport community created and run by the LeFrak organization.
In his more than five years at LeFrak, Farrell was devoted to serving his community and worked hand-in-hand with the city of Jersey City on many vital public initiatives, including the installation of Water’s Soul, a monumental public art sculpture located on the Newport waterfront.
Richard LeFrak, chairman and CEO of the LeFrak organization, said Farrell’s impact on the community and the LeFrak organization cannot be overstated.
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Jeremy Farrell,” he said. “Jeremy was a cherished member of our team and a cornerstone in the community at large, and he leaves an important legacy in Newport and Jersey City. My deepest condolences go to Jeremy’s family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Farrell’s passing will not only have a profound impact within the company, but throughout the entire Newport and Jersey City community, where he crossed paths with and was a friend to many.
Jamie LeFrak, vice chairman and managing director of LeFrak, echoed his father’s thoughts.
“Jeremy Farrell was the rarest of human beings: incredibly smart and kind, yet firm, and respected by all of his colleagues,” Jamie LeFrak said. “He was a beloved mentor to all those who had the honor of working with him.
“For Newport and the LeFrak family, Jeremy’s passing is one we will mourn forever. He will be missed more than words can express.”
Fulop, in a social media post, remembered Farrell as an incredible person who did so much for Jersey City.
“He was a terrific human being,” he said. “He was kind, smart, thoughtful and was a man of impeccable character.
“He was my first corporate counsel, a trusted adviser and he deserves as much credit as anyone for the last 10 years of Jersey City’s progress. We will all miss him.”
Prior to his time in Jersey City, Farrell was a highly regarded real estate attorney at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter from 2007-13. He also was a clerk for a federal judge.
Farrell graduated from McGill University in Montreal in 2002, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and international development. He earned his law degree from the Seton Hall University School of Law.
Farrell is survived by his wife, Sarah, and son, Aidan.
The LeFrak organization asks that the privacy of Farrell’s family be respected during this profoundly difficult time.
