'I Love You:' LI Community Mourns Manhasset Bros Killed In Crash

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Thousands of mourners crowded into Port Washington's only Greek Orthodox church on Friday to remember two brothers who died in a head-on collision six days earlier.

The pews filled quickly at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, forcing crowds of people to relocate to an overflow room and honor James and Michael Farrell from afar.

In death, just as in life, the two Manhasset brothers were side by side. Their coffins were set together at the front of the church as black-clad mourners sobbed, wrapped their arms around each other for support, and said goodbye to them.

James, 25, and Michael, 20, were among the five people killed in the July 24 nighttime crash in Quogue, a sleepy village in the Hamptons. A Nissan Maxima traveling west on Montauk Highway left its lane and slammed into a Toyota Prius heading east with five people inside, according to police.

In the Prius, the two brothers died along with their friend — 25-year-old Ryan Kiess of Manhasset — and their Uber driver — 32-year-old Farhan Zahid of Bay Shore. Kiess' girlfriend of six years, Brianna Maglio, 22, of Garden City, is the sole survivor. She remains in critical condition but is reportedly showing signs of improvement.

According to the Fairchild Sons Inc. Funeral Chapel: "James Patrick Farrell, Jr. and Michael O'Brien Farrell have fallen asleep in the Lord."

They are survived by their parents, Jim and Elene Farrell; their brother, Stephen; and their grandmother, Katina Athineos, their "yia yia," who always guided their religious instruction, church leaders said.

The flowers surrounding the two coffins were summer flowers, sunflowers, hydrangeas, and bursts of bright roses. Photos of the Farrell brothers at the church depicted young men laughing, excelling at sports — such as lacrosse — and surrounded by family and friends. Earlier photos showed babies, so loved, doing the normal things that define a life — visiting Pennsylvania's Hersheypark, frolicking on the beach, and playing in piles of autumn leaves. At the front of the church, near their coffins, helmets, and other sports memorabilia stood testament to young lives, cut short.

Readings at the service began with a verse from the Corinthians, focused on love. "Love is eternal."

Letters were read from the many friends, heartbroken, who shared memories of the brothers. Of Michael, one said: "You were always so happy. You always had a smile on your face."

Another added: "You are my best friend — my first friend in Manhasset — and you will always be."

All spoke of the impact the brothers had in Manhasset, on their friends, family members, and the entire community.

Of James, a friend wrote: "Our Manhasset captain...our handsome Greek god."

"You were an angel here on earth — and you did not deserve this," another said.

Faith leaders from their church reflected on the boys' time in Sunday school, saying that even when they had their differences, they always ended up unified — together.

Father Dennis Strouzas, who baptized the Farrell brothers and married their parents, assured mourners that while their lives on Earth have ended, their souls — and the impact they've had on their communities — will live on.

"The one thing that you have that cannot be taken away is their soul," he said. "It hasn't died. The body has died — but not the soul, not the spirit, not the faith, and not the hope. They will always be remembered. They will never be forgotten."

Michael and James' brother, Stephen, also spoke during the service.

"They were my best friends," he said, his voice breaking. "Growing up, we did everything together."

From playing lacrosse and football in the backyard in their early years to learning how to play golf together in their later years, Stephen said his brothers "started and finished every day with a smile on their faces."

Stephen said he was grateful he and his brothers had spent so much time together over the past year and a half and will cherish it forever. "James, Michael, this isn't a farewell as much a 'see you later' ... I love you."

The ceremony lasted about two hours, ending with the Manhasset High School male choir singing "The Parting Glass," a song of farewell, sung for friends and loved ones.

The Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Port Washington police departments provided a 13-motorcycle escort for the funeral procession to Nassau Knolls Cemetery.

SEE ALSO:

• 3 Manhasset Alumni Among Those Killed In Hamptons Crash: Police
• 'Our Hearts Are Broken Forever': Dad's Son 1 of 5 Killed in Crash
• Families Mourn 5 Lost In LI Crash, Seek Answers, 'Pray For Bri'
• Driver In LI Crash That Killed 5 Seen Speeding, Had Marijuana: PD

Patch's Lisa Finn contributed to this report.