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West Chester, Pennsylvania
Horace Darlington Obituary
He was born Oct. 26, 1940, in West Chester, Pa., to Dr. Horace and Pauline Darlington.
Jerry was a talented student-athlete who graduated from Westtown School in West Chester. He went on to obtain his bachelor's degree from Haverford College in Haverford, Pa., where he played on the varsity basketball team, serving as captain during his senior season. He completed his education with a master's degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in education at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Jerry began his teaching career at Christiana High School in Newark, Del., and went on to serve as the superintendent of Antietam School District in Reading, Pa. He finished his career at the Keystone Area School District in Knox, Pa., where he served as the superintendent, followed by teaching history until his retirement in 2008.
Jerry was an avid sports fan who stayed loyal to his Philadelphia professional sports teams.
He chose to live out his days in Grove City, Pa., close to his immediate family whom he loved dearly.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kathryn, a certified nurse anesthetist at UPMC, and her husband, Robert Maine Jr., a pharmaceutical sales representative, who reside in Grove City, Pa. Jerry's son Abraham of Slippery Rock, Pa., is following in his father's footsteps and completing a master's degree in education. Abraham will be pursuing a career in secondary science education. He also leaves his eldest son, Andrew and daughter-in-law, Melissa, of Jacksonville, Fla., who are physicians in cardiology and anesthesiology, respectively.
A private funeral service will be held at Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery in West Chester, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are being handled by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home Inc., West Chester, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Horace Darlington
Michele Dietz
January 29, 2024
I wonder if this is Dr H Darlington, who was the principal of Forwood Elementary school in the mid 1970's. It sure looks & sounds like him. He was a kind, thoughtful man. I was a student who was a bit awkward back then. I just remember him being kind to me & lifting my spirits. To this day he leaves a lasting impression.
Barbara Dutton Thorp
April 9, 2023
Jerry was the most honorable man I knew!
April 27, 2013
I was a classmate of Jerry's at West Chester Schools before he transferred to Westtown. He was always a thoughtful, kind and considerate friend to everyone.
To his family, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.
Donna Bruno Cann
sara minium (smith)
April 18, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
robin smith
April 18, 2013
Dr.D, you were a great man. You were one of the teachers at Keystone that always had a smile on their face no matter what has happened. May you rest in peace. Sorry for your lost childern may you have happy memories of your dad and Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Cody Summerville
April 18, 2013
Dr. D was a kind, loving and very wise man who genuinely cared for his students and people in the community. He was someone that you could go to about anything. He touched many lives including mine and I am greatful to have had him as a teacher. He will be missed greatly.
Sandi McElravy
April 17, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I always thought of Dr. D as a very wise and kind man. God bless.
Corey Peterson
April 17, 2013
Dr.D was more than a teacher to me. He was a man I'll always admire. He always encouraged me to go see the world and not settle for the status quo. I had a chance last year to see him at the YMCA where we talked for over a hour. Almost ten years after graduation he still had a way of putting things in perspective and encouraging me to do my best. He is a man who left a mark on so many lives.
Alex Rowan
April 17, 2013
Not a kinder man out there. Learned a lot of life lessons from him. I will always remember what he taught me.
April 17, 2013
He was a "good man". Keystone was so lucky to have Dr. Darlington to be part of the system. Ted has many fond memories of him, when he served on the Keystone School Board. God Bless you all. Ted and Jolinda Tharan
Jim & Tracy Weeter
April 17, 2013
He was such a wonderful teacher. Our prayers are with you all.
April 17, 2013
He was a "good man" in many ways. Always would ask about your children when he saw you. Ted has many fond memories of working with him when Ted served on the Keystone School Board. God Bless You all. Ted and Jolinda Tharan
jessica beichner
April 17, 2013
you was a good teacher at keystone when i went there u will be missed by many
Peter & Andrea Solomobn
April 17, 2013
He leaves quite a legacy behind. You have much to proud about Jerry!! So sorry about your loss Andy & Melissa.
Chyenne Matthews
April 17, 2013
May you rest in peace, Dr. D! You will never be forgotten. You were a great man and loved by every person who had the opportunity to get to know you. You were not only a teacher but also a friend. May God be with your family!
LuAnn/Butch Mattern
April 17, 2013
He was a wonderful person,sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Mattern Johnson
April 17, 2013
I remember the first day I met Dr. D. I was working in the old band booster concession stand during a football game. I think I was a senior, and Dr. D. walked up and said, "I'd like a hot dog and fries, Jennifer." I was so shocked that he already knew my name, but was soon impressed when I had learned that he had asked for a yearbook and had memorized every students' name! He knew us by face and name, not by reputation. He will be missed.
Dan & Sue Solomon
April 16, 2013
Within minutes of meeting Jerry he became part of our family. He will always have a place in our hearts.
April 15, 2013
Moving to Alaska 50+ years ago, I had lost touch with Jerry, my first cousin. I was surprised to read his obituary while perusing other family information. Condolences to his family.
Margery T. Kniffen, Fairbanks Alaska
Love you always Dad! (Andy,Abe & Kate)
April 15, 2013
April 15, 2013
A dear and sweet man, Jerry Darlington.
Lovingly, Barbara Dutton Thorp
Ken/Debbie Steele
April 15, 2013
Jerry was a warm and caring brother-in-law,he will be remembered with love. We will miss him.
Ashley Nicola
April 15, 2013
Your father was such a kind and gentle man. He will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ashley Nicola
April 15, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your father was such a kind and gentle man. He will be greatly missed.
April 15, 2013
So sorry to read of Jerry's passing. We grew up together, Jerry on Nields Street, and I on Sharpless Street, in West Chester. Joe Sullivan, Elverson, Pa.
Jackie Laverty
April 15, 2013
So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was a playmate & his dad was our family physician in West Chester. A wonderful family.Our prayers go out to his family.
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