BIDDEFORD — Robert M. Farley, 79, of Biddeford, died Sunday evening, July 5, 2015 at his home after a long illness.

He was born in Biddeford on June 10, 1936, the son of Peter and Blanche M. Dudley Farley. He was educated in Biddeford schools, graduated from Biddeford High School and attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland, majoring in history and government.

Bob served his country with the U.S. Army from 1955-1957.

On Oct. 28, 1961 he married Rita M. Larouche in St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.

Mr. Farley worked as a young man for his father at P.J. Farley Express, and later worked for Prescott Metal Shop and Pepperell Mfg. Cos. in Biddeford. He then worked 23 years with Guilford Transportation Co. as a marketing manager, retiring in 2002. In retirement he worked part time at Woodlawn Cemetery in Biddeford.

He served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1972-1975 and the Maine Senate from 1976-1980. He served as mayor of the city of Biddeford from 1984-1985.

He is preceded in death by seven brothers and one sister.

He is survived by: his wife of 53 years, of Biddeford; five sons, Mark E. Farley and his friend Dawn of Old Orchard Beach, David S. Farley of Biddeford, Scott P. Farley and his wife Amy of Biddeford, Steven M. Farley and his wife Jenny of Biddeford, and Kenneth R. Farley and his wife Isabelle of Biddeford; one brother, Roland Farley and his wife Lorraine of Biddeford; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Brittney, Matthew, Mitchell, Madelyn, Amanda, and Joe; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8 at Hope Memorial Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 9 at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Biddeford.

Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford, ME 04005.

Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.

To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.