George Byron Darling Sr.

George Byron Darling Sr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on May 13, 1933 to the late Milton and Doris Darling, George's life was one of dedication, service, and joy, which touched the lives of many around him.

George grew up in a close-knit family and was a proud graduate of Newark Valley High School, class of 1950. His early sense of responsibility and commitment to his country was evident when he served with honor in the US Navy as a CORPSMAN during the Korean War in Korea with the First Marine Division. After his honorable discharge, he embarked on a notable career as a Program Engineer with IBM, where he worked diligently for 36 years. His work was not just a job but a demonstration of his wise and innovative spirit, which left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the field.

In his personal life, George was a beacon of love and stability to his family. George shared 65 blissful years of marriage with his wife, the late Mary Ann (Tarbox) Darling until her passing in 2018. On January 18, 2021 he remarried his special friend Donna (Inman) Darling. He was a guiding force in the lives of his sons, George Jr. (Rosa) of Vestal, NY, and Marty Darling of Berkshire, NY, his daughters, Wendy (Jeff) Whitmarsh of Berkshire, NY, and Amy Bibbins of Candor, NY. George’s legacy will live on through his 17 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and 6 great great-grandchildren, each of whom he adored and took great pride in. His extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins will miss the warmth and guidance he so freely offered. In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his brother Robert Darling and sister Sharon Turner, both of whom he now joins in glory. Still living are George’s sister, Alta (Stuart) Patterson, and sister-in-law Naomi Tarbox.

A man of many interests, George lived a full and vibrant life with the goal of serving his Savior. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Newark Valley, where he worked in Awana and he and Mary Ann served as youth group leaders. After retiring, he spent 24 years in Sebring, Florida where he lived in Maranatha Village and was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church. His passion for golfing was only matched by his love for gardening, both activities where he found great pleasure and relaxation. These pastimes were also a way for George to connect with friends and nature, always with a story to tell and a laugh to share.

A Celebration of George’s life will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Newark Valley, 40 Whig Street, Newark Valley, NY, with Pastor Rollin Howard Officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until the time of service. A graveside service will follow at Hope Cemetery in Newark Valley where military honors will be accorded. Memories and condolences can be shared in his guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com. The family is under the caring guidance of MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley.