Riverdale Family Honors Kevin Farrell With Christmas Toy Drive for Bronx Children

Whether it was a light bulb change, help installing a fan or someone to borrow a snow shovel from, Kevin Farrell was there. 

The Riverdale-native died from pancreatic cancer in March. His family, alongside nonprofit 4BronxProject, is now keeping his memory alive with a Christmas toy drive in his honor.

“There’s an old saying: There’s two ways that people die,” Kevin’s wife, Christina said. “First through death, and the second way is forgetting who they were. We don’t want that second way to exist.” 

She described her husband as having a heart built on charity, the kind of man who showed up for everyone — friends, neighbors, local businesses and even people he barely knew. Kevin had a remarkable kindness about him, one that made the community feel seen and cared for. 

When cancer took over his body, its effects were visible, but inward he remained the same compassionate and generous man he had always been. Even after his illness was deemed terminal, Kevin took part in a research project at Columbia University in hopes the findings could benefit other patients. 

Kevin, who worked as an electrician, was 45 when he passed. 

Christina said the couple’s two children, 7-year-old Conor and 4-year-old Laurie Beth, were central in the choice to name the drive after Kevin. Hearing their father’s name and knowing what he meant to others helps find meaning amid the complexity of grief. 

“There are people who have big hearts,” Christina said. “There are people who are generous. There are people that do things that are selfless, and their dad was one of them.”

Another way the Farrells stay close to Kevin is through the cleaning company they own. Conor had the idea to open a branch in his dad’s name — called Kevin’s Angels – that provides free cleanings for patients and families undergoing cancer treatment. 

Lucy and Peter, Kevin’s parents, told The Press their child’s character was clear from an early age. He was a quiet presence, and a positive one, they recalled. 

“He did things for people without looking for any recognition,” Peter said. “He was fun, always there, always willing to help, and a presence people truly appreciated. I am proud to be his father.” 

Lucy said she tells her grandchildren about Kevin every chance she gets, as sometimes it’s the small things that keep his memory living. 

One night, she was helping Conor with his homework when the word “jacket” appeared. Lucy thought of her son, and told Conor about his dad would always leave his jacket in the schoolyard. The two giggled at the thought of having to turn back for it. 

For Laura Levine-Pinedo, founder of the 4BronxProject, her connection with Kevin goes back a decade, before the nonprofit even launched. 

Levine-Pinedo was managing Bronx Burger House when she met him and Christina, who were regulars. As Levine-Pinedo’s work grew, Kevin was always supportive and would pitch in with donations. 

Now on its fifth year, the toy drive has since expanded. It will provide toys to 700 kids in Bronx shelters, and the number of community members eager to take part keeps rising. Levine-Pinedo said dozens of small businesses and other organizations are involved this season, whether as drop-off sites or sponsors. 

“Toys are just as much of a necessity for the people we serve,” she said. “Fun, excitement, Christmas magic — that’s also a very important part of what it is to be a kid. We want every Bronx kid to feel that magic.” 

Restaurants, retail shops and salons across the neighborhood have a large box near the entrance, decorated with Christmas-paper wrapping, a bright bow and a flyer that shows a photo of Kevin, beaming in a Fordham Prep hoodie. 

‘It’s my absolute pleasure, and quite honestly an honor to do it for [Kevin] this year,” Levine-Pinedo said. “There’s nobody better that I could have selected.”

Once toys begin piling up, Levine-Pinedo will pick them up in a 4BronxProject truck — dressed as either Santa Claus or The Grinch — and deliver them to RiverSpring Living, who donated its Great Room to give volunteers space to wrap the gifts. 

“Nothing will take away the pain of losing your loved one, especially around the holidays,” Levine-Pinedo said. “But if this can bring a little bit of joy to them and a little bit of hope his memory will provide happiness to other people, that’s my goal.” 

Contact Levine-Pinedo at laura4bronx@gmail.com to donate, become a sponsor or learn more.