Alexander Anthony Farrelly

In December 1923, Alexander Anthony Farrelly was born in Carlton, Frederiksted St. Croix. His parents, Mary and Patrick Farrelly were proud of their second baby boy. Alex spent his boyhood in Frederiksted, attending St. Patrick’s elementary and high school where the nuns, led by the Mother Superior, reinforced the values his parents were teaching him at home. Alex spent his days in school, and after school, having tended his chores, played with his friends. Stick ball, marbles and other games were among his favorites. Alex also spent time practicing his trumpet. Although bright, impish and cordial, Alex was not much for long conversations and words, or numerous friends, preferring the company of his brothers and sisters, a few friends and his trumpet.

His mother, the late Mrs. Mary Hardcastle Farrelly died at an early age, when Alex was only 14. His father, Patrick Farrelly, a manager of a sugar cane farm, kept the family together until his death in 1951. After Alex completed high school he spent some time working on St. Croix. Alex’s first born, Velma, was born on St. Croix.

Later on, he moved away from the protective arms of his immediate family, friends, the nuns at St. Patrick High School and went to St. Thomas, where he lived with the Gabriele family. Alex began to get involved with life on St. Thomas, joining some of the bands, continuing to play his trumpet. Although Alex lived on St. Thomas, he did not forget St. Croix, and could not since his family and friends were still there.

After a few years on St. Thomas, Alex entered the United States Army, and was shipped off with a number of other Virgin Islanders to begin training. Their first stop was in Puerto Rico and then on to New Orleans. The country was in the midst of World War II. It was during training in New Orleans, that Alex began to encounter the racist mentality that was prevalent in the South at the time. Despite having to deal with everything from small slights like having to sit in the “nose bleed” section of the movie theater to sitting in the back of the bus, Alex and his friends were determined to succeed. Before his honorable discharge n 1946, Alex had attained the rank of sergeant. Alex joined the Tau Club, a club made up of WWII Veterans. The club had it’s own building on St. Thomas, where the members could get together, and where they had many celebrations. The club disbanded a few years ago.

Alex, a strong believer in higher education being the key to success, used his GI benefits to enter St. John College where he obtained his BA degree. Here he was to meet some of the schools giants who later became strong leaders in their own right.

In 1952, while still in New York, Alex got married to Catherine "Betty" Spencely of St. Thomas. Alex continued with his education and attended St. John University and Yale University where he received his law degrees. Richard was born when Alex was studying for the NY Bar. And Alex tells of being in the hospital with his books while Betty was in labor. (Of course in those days, the men were kept out of the room). Steven and Allyson were also born in New York.

Alex passed the New York Bar and went on to work as an attorney in New York. After practicing for a while, he joined the United Nations as a Caribbean Area Specialist. Alex enjoyed being part of the United Nations, but he felt his beloved Virgin Islands calling his name. He eventually returned to the Virgin Islands, where he became an integral part of the fabric of the United States Virgin Islands.

Alex loved life and lived it to its fullest. I hope that as we continue to develop this website, the richness of that life will unfold.