Obituary of Leo Darling

Leo J. Darling, age 77 of Poughkeepsie, died Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, surrounded by his loving family. Leo was born August 15, 1933 in Carmel, NY. He was the son of the late Earl T. and the late Jessie McLean Darling. A local resident all of his life, he married Evelyn Reeder July 24, 1955 at the Arlington Reform Church in Poughkeepsie. After retirement, Leo and Evelyn enjoyed their winter home in Jensen Beach, Florida. He was a graduate of Arlington High School class of 1951; he served as a Sergeant in the Army during The Korean Conflict. In 1990 he retired from IBM Poughkeepsie as a Manager of Personnel and prior to that was an Industrial Engineer. He also worked summers at the Innis Free Gardens in Millbrook, New York. Leo was an active member of the IAABO #114 for 49 years; he refereed high school and college basketball for many years. He loved mentoring young officials and received a service award from the Dutchess County Coaches Association. Leo also was retired from CBOA, a member of the Poughkeepsie Elk's BPOE #275 and the IBM Quarter Century Club. He was an avid New York Yankees, Giants and Rangers fan. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Evelyn Reeder Darling at home, his children and their spouses; Gary J. and Cheryl Darling of Pine Plains, New York, Karen DeFraia of Pleasant Valley, New York, Shari and Peter Schwarze of Poughkeepsie, New York and Kathi and Michael Miller of Pleasant Valley, New York. Leo is also survived by his eight grandchildren whom he adored; Jason and his wife Jenna Darling, Erik Darling, Anthony and his wife Kelly DeFraia, Danielle DeFraia, Kelli Schwarze, Ryan Schwarze, Courtney Miller and Scott Miller. He is also survived by two sisters, Lois Gibson, Doris and her husband Homer Rikert, brother, Dean and his wife Suzanne Darling, sister-in-law and brother in-law Dolores and John Michaloski and many nieces and nephews. Leo was looking forward to the birth of his first great grandchild, due May 2011. Leo was predeceased by his brother, Lynn Darling and his brother-in-law, William Gibson. Calling hours will be Sunday, December 26, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, #71 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, New York. The funeral will be Tuesday at 11:00a.m. at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, Martin Road, Pleasant Valley. Burial will be in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie. In lieu of flowers, the family will be creating a Memorial Scholarship at Arlington High School, in Leo's name, to an athlete who shows good sportsmanship in basketball. Donations may be made to the Leo J. Darling Scholarship Fund, C/O Gary Darling, 37 Jackson Road, Pine Plains, New York 12567. Donations may also be made to the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, Martin Road, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. If you would like to sign the guestbook, leave an online condolence or for directions, please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com