NORWICH – Kenneth D. Darling, 81, a life-long Norwich resident, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2013 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Ken was born in Sidney on April 30, 1931 the son of Laurence and Emelie Schrier Darling. He grew up in Norwich, was a 1949 graduate of the Norwich High School and furthered his education by attending Morrisville, Oswego State and Broome Community College. In 1951 he entered the United States Air Force serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1955. Over the years Ken had been employed by TACO, Christman Motors and Smith Ford. He also owned and operated his own business, Darling’s Service, on Hale Street. Ken also enjoyed a 30 year career with BOCES where he taught auto mechanic’s from which he retired in June of 1995.
Ken was never an idle man. Over the years he helped his family build and remodel homes, enjoyed many trips to Ormond Beach, was an avid NASCAR fan and took pride in his landscaping abilities. Above all else Ken truly enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren.
On May 2, 1953 in Penfield, IL he married Wanda McKeon.
Besides his wife Wanda of Norwich, Ken is survived by his sons Michael J. Darling of Champaign, IL, Patrick S. Darling and wife Lisa of Norwich, Timothy A. Darling and wife Sara Viktoria of Mt. Top, PA, his twin sister Beverly McLean and husband Richard of Binghamton and his brother Laurence “Bud” Darling and wife Betsy of Lancaster, PA. Also surviving are his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Bradley Darling, Genevieve Osterhout and Tyler and Kendra Darling, his nieces and nephews Pamela McLaughlin, Victoria King, Karen Downs, W. Lawrence Evans Jr., Morgan McLean and his step-niece Helen McLean.
Ken was predeceased by his son Gerald R. Darling and a nephew Jeffery Darling.
Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 16.
There will be no formal funeral services.
A memorial in memory of Ken has been established at DCMO BOCES with checks made payable to DCMO BOCES and sent to DCMO BOCES, 6678 Cty Rt. 32, Norwich, NY 13815.