Robert Darras

"Optimism is free" exemplified the life of Robert Darras, 87, who died Sunday, December 4, 2011 from complications related to Alzheimer's Disease. He dealt with this affliction with grace and dignity and was an inspiration to his compassionate caregivers at Virginia House in Harper Woods. Robert was the devoted husband of the late Aileen and the doting father of Michele Ullery (Allan). He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Julia Darras and by his brother, Albert Darras. Less than a month after graduating from St. Bernard High School in Detroit he began serving in World War II at Iwo Jima as a Marine Medical Corpsman in the 5th Medical Battalion. After completing military service, Robert was employed by the Michigan Bell Telephone Company where he attained the management level of Chief Switchman. He was responsible for the telephone service of residential and business customers east of Woodward Avenue; the largest telephone index in the state of Michigan at the time. He retired in 1980. Robert was a deeply religious man and a lover of animals. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm Thursday. Robert will lie instate from 9:30 am Friday until time of mass, 10 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack, St. Clair Shores with Monsignor G. Michael Bugarin officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township with Marine funeral honors. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society, 296 Chalfonte Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 would be appreciated. (www.gpaas.org).