Neil Paul Farmer of Hingham, formerly a longtime resident of Norwell, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 24, 2026. He was 79.

Neil was born in Pawtucket, RI to Ruth (Poole) and Paul Henry Farmer and raised in Westfield, MA. After graduating from Westfield High School, he attended Latin school at Glastonbury Abbey for a year and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in 1969 from St. Anselm College. In 1970, Neil met Karen (Rengier) at a friend’s wedding. Over the course of two years, Neil's steady and ever-present love for Karen worked its magic, and they married in 1972. They started their family in Hingham and would go on to raise their two daughters in Norwell.

Neil worked in commercial and industrial real estate as an appraiser and broker in Boston. He had a particularly good eye for seeing possibilities in buildings and spaces and envisioning how they could be reconfigured to their true potential. Neil’s career began with Ryan, Elliot and Company, where his efforts and perseverance earned his rise to president of the company. He later moved on to Spaulding & Slye, before establishing his own company, Farmer & Flier. After over 40 years in commercial and industrial real estate, Neil retired in 2013.

He loved his family most of all. Neil and Karen traveled all over the world together, and especially enjoyed their trips to India, Africa, and Europe. When his children were growing up, Neil shared his belief in the value of experiencing new places by introducing them to diverse areas of the U.S., with memorable trips to Maine, California, Wyoming, and Alaska, among others. Neil stayed active both physically and socially throughout his life, and particularly loved kayaking with Karen on the North River and throughout New England. In later years, he regularly participated in Tai Chi at the Norwell Public Library. Neil’s life journey took him all over the world, but it centered around his family. He loved being a grandfather and treasured each of his grandchildren for exactly who they are. He was a gentle soul whose kindness, generosity, humility, and humor will be dearly missed.

True to his character until the very end, Neil has donated his brain to The Brain Donation Hub at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where it will be used for research into Alzheimer’s and brain diseases. Dementia was a difficult and heart-breaking disease for Neil to bear, but he always strived to be open about his experiences in the hopes that others would benefit from his insights. He found great comfort in knowing that his donation will make a difference in the future.

Beloved husband of 53 years to Karen (Rengier) Farmer of Hingham. Devoted father to Carrie Farmer and her husband Mark Shefsiek of Pittsburgh, PA, and Anne Montero and her husband Jesse of Yonkers, NY. Adoring grandfather to Margot, Paul, Adam, Damon, and Clara. Loving brother to Miriam Byrne of Westborough, Kathleen Kimball of Daniel Island, SC, Richard Farmer of Portsmouth, RI, Terence Farmer of Sudbury, and the late Dorothy Erwin. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held on July 11, 2026, at the United Church of Christ in Norwell. In lieu of flowers, donations in Neil’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 and to Partners in Health, Suite 300, 800 Boyleston Street, Boston, MA 02199.