| Dr. Frank Hoover Farley |
| February 15, 1937 - March 20, 2026 |
 |
ContactsMetropolitan Funeral Service - 501 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 - 215-659-6400 - Map |
As Posted in the Globe and Mail:
Dr. Frank Farley, an internationally respected psychologist, scholar, and public intellectual, passed away at his home in Philadelphia, PA, at the age of 89. He was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a place that shaped both his early life and his lifelong curiosity about human behavior. As he once reflected, a childhood experience trying to help an elderly neighbor in medical distress sparked "a scientific interest in the psychology of heroic actions," a theme that would echo throughout his career. Frank earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Saskatchewan before completing his PhD in psychology at the University of London in 1966. He went on to teach for nearly three decades at the University of Wisconsin – Madison before joining Temple University, where he became the Laura H. Carnell Professor of Educational Psychology. A prolific and influential figure in psychology, Frank served as President of the American Psychological Association (1993), the American Educational Research Association, and multiple APA divisions. He also held leadership roles in the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences, the International Council of Psychologists, and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences, of which he was a founding officer. His peers recognized his contributions through numerous fellowships, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the Canadian Psychological Association. Frank's scholarly work was as wide-ranging as it was influential. He was best known for formulating the concept of the Type T (thrillseeking) personality, theorizing that some individuals require heightened stimulation to maintain optimal energy and engagement. He explored risktaking in its many forms - creative, political, criminal, heroic - and argued for its central role in human progress. His scholarly interests included extreme behavior, media, political psychology, risk-taking/thrill-seeking, heroism, personality, crime, creativity. A gifted communicator, Frank was frequently sought by major media outlets, including Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CBC and CNN. He also wrote "The People's Professor" blog for Psychology Today, bringing psychological science to the public with clarity, humour, and accessibility. Frank leaves behind a legacy of intellectual boldness, public engagement, and deep commitment to the advancement of psychological science. His work will continue to influence researchers, educators, and students for generations. We remember the unique experiences he had while developing his Type T theory. Stories of hot air ballooning over China and Moscow with Beni Hana, in Nepal with mountain climbers, racing with professional race car drivers, visiting Niagara Falls to see the Walendas tight rope over the Falls, meeting with Presidents to confer over healthcare ideas, and a special meeting with television's Mr. Fred Rogers about understanding the next generation. To his nieces and nephews, he was known as beloved "Uncle Bud," the vibrant, funny man at family gatherings. He would love to imitate Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau and was a big fan of pop culture. He was the king of puns and enjoyed clever word play. Frank is survived by his sister, Joan Jamieson, of BC, and Kay Lewis, of Newfoundland. He was predeceased by his sister, Connie Harding, of BC. He leaves many nieces and nephews spread across Canada. He will be sadly missed and always remembered by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity in his name. Cremation has taken place, and a family Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date
www.metrofsi.com
Dr. Frank Farley, an internationally respected psychologist, scholar, and public intellectual, passed away at his home in Philadelphia, PA, at the age of 89. He was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a place that shaped both his early life and his lifelong curiosity about human behavior. As he once reflected, a childhood experience trying to help an elderly neighbor in medical distress sparked "a scientific interest in the psychology of heroic actions," a theme that would echo throughout his career. Frank earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Saskatchewan before completing his PhD in psychology at the University of London in 1966. He went on to teach for nearly three decades at the University of Wisconsin – Madison before joining Temple University, where he became the Laura H. Carnell Professor of Educational Psychology. A prolific and influential figure in psychology, Frank served as President of the American Psychological Association (1993), the American Educational Research Association, and multiple APA divisions. He also held leadership roles in the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences, the International Council of Psychologists, and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences, of which he was a founding officer. His peers recognized his contributions through numerous fellowships, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the Canadian Psychological Association. Frank's scholarly work was as wide-ranging as it was influential. He was best known for formulating the concept of the Type T (thrillseeking) personality, theorizing that some individuals require heightened stimulation to maintain optimal energy and engagement. He explored risktaking in its many forms - creative, political, criminal, heroic - and argued for its central role in human progress. His scholarly interests included extreme behavior, media, political psychology, risk-taking/thrill-seeking, heroism, personality, crime, creativity. A gifted communicator, Frank was frequently sought by major media outlets, including Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CBC and CNN. He also wrote "The People's Professor" blog for Psychology Today, bringing psychological science to the public with clarity, humour, and accessibility. Frank leaves behind a legacy of intellectual boldness, public engagement, and deep commitment to the advancement of psychological science. His work will continue to influence researchers, educators, and students for generations. We remember the unique experiences he had while developing his Type T theory. Stories of hot air ballooning over China and Moscow with Beni Hana, in Nepal with mountain climbers, racing with professional race car drivers, visiting Niagara Falls to see the Walendas tight rope over the Falls, meeting with Presidents to confer over healthcare ideas, and a special meeting with television's Mr. Fred Rogers about understanding the next generation. To his nieces and nephews, he was known as beloved "Uncle Bud," the vibrant, funny man at family gatherings. He would love to imitate Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau and was a big fan of pop culture. He was the king of puns and enjoyed clever word play. Frank is survived by his sister, Joan Jamieson, of BC, and Kay Lewis, of Newfoundland. He was predeceased by his sister, Connie Harding, of BC. He leaves many nieces and nephews spread across Canada. He will be sadly missed and always remembered by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity in his name. Cremation has taken place, and a family Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date
www.metrofsi.com