David Darby Obituary

In Loving Memory of Dave Darby Born in Fort Monmouth, NJ, Dave Darby was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Kiku Ueda Darby. A graduate of Monmouth Regional High School in Tinton Falls, NJ, Dave went on to build a successful career, working 16 years with AT&T Bell Laboratories and 17 years with Bear Stearns/J.P. Morgan Chase. Despite his professional accomplishments, Dave's greatest joys in life were his faith, his family, and his many passions. Dave was a man of many loves. He had a lifelong devotion to God and poured his heart into serving others through various ministries of the Church. Over the years, he served as a Sacristan, teacher of Religious Education, member of Bible Study, Extraordinary Minister, and participant in Cursillo. His faith was the foundation of his life, and his actions reflected his kind, generous spirit. Dave loved music and had a knack for reciting the perfect lyrics for almost any occasion. Whether he was smooth on the dance floor or bouncing to a beat, his energy was contagious. He relished good food-especially rice, sushi, rare steak, banana splits, and his mother-in-law's cheesecake. Dave had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh so hearty it brought tears to his eyes. His joy was infectious, and his presence was a blessing to everyone who knew him. In retirement, Dave's curiosity and zest for life never waned. A voracious reader, he kept up with current events, sports (especially his beloved NFL Colts), and contemporary theology. He embraced the sunny warmth of Myrtle Beach, where he became an avid cyclist, a self-taught drummer, and a go-to tech helper for anyone with computer troubles. Armed with his camera and lenses, Dave captured the beauty of the world around him, especially the birds that visited his yard. He delighted in the antics of bluebirds nesting in the summer and shared his knowledge of their habits with others. To those who knew him, Dave was both a gentleman and a gentle man-kind, thoughtful, and generous to a fault. He loved easily and was easy to love. His eight-year cancer journey was a testament to his strength and faith. Despite the challenges, Dave faced each day with a positive attitude, an unshakable peace, and an enduring smile. He inspired everyone around him with his courage and grace, never complaining and always choosing happiness. Dave was known for his "Dave-isms," little reminders of the way he approached life with humor, faith, and optimism. Some of his favorites included: · "I'm going to kick cancer's butt today." · "I'm where I'm supposed to be." · "Get behind me, Satan." · "Good to know you're human." · "No worries." · "To make a long story short..." · "We can choose to be happy or sad-I choose happy." · And every night, without fail: "Stay beautiful, Beautiful." Dave's legacy is one of love, faith, and joy. He leaves behind a world made brighter by his presence and countless lives touched by his kindness. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Dave is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Thomas Lester Darby Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Linda; step-son, Russell M. Haywood, and his wife, Melissa Leary Haywood; their sons, Jackson Robert and Hunter James; and his siblings, June Darby, Ruth (Nils) Eliason, May (John) Sikora, Carol (Stephen) Robinson, and Elizabeth Darby. He also leaves behind nine cherished nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Friday July 25, 2025 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet with Interment following in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Dave's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741 or online at http://www.cancer.org/ Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, SC (843.651.1440) is assisting the family.