JOHN E. DARLING

DARLING, John E. John E. Darling of Wenham, a dedicated attorney, community leader, and beloved husband and brother, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA. He was the cherished husband of Joyce M. Darling, with whom he shared a wonderful marriage of 33 years. Born in Brockton, MA, John was the son of the late Alan and Cynthia (Small) Darling. He was also predeceased by his grandparents, Joseph E. and Elizabeth H. Small of West Dennis, and his aunt, Barbara C. Darling, for whom he provided loving care. He grew up in East Bridgewater, where he graduated as valedictorian from East Bridgewater High School. He went on to earn a B.A., Magna Cum Laude, from Tufts University, a Master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Professionally, John was a lawyer – a lawyer's lawyer, actually – whose skill, thoroughness, fairness, and conscientious attention to clients was respected throughout the community. For more than 40 years, he practiced as a member of the Salem law firm of Serafini, Darling and Correnti, and later of Correnti & Darling, LLP. He practiced before the Massachusetts and Federal Bars and belonged to state, federal, and local bar associations. While his areas of legal focus primarily involved municipal, administrative, and real estate law, his natural skills for negotiation and problem-solving in those fields yielded many good outcomes for his clients. His clients included some of the most prestigious in the community, such as the Salem-Beverly Water Supply Board, the South Essex Sewerage District (he served as General Counsel on both), and the North Shore Medical Center. A passionate public servant, John also played a vital role in his community. He served for five years as Chairman of the Town of Wenham Finance and Advisory Committee, helping shape the town's annual budget and fiscal policies. He also chaired the Town Hall and Police Station Building Committee, overseeing the restoration of Wenham's historic 1855 Town Hall, the construction of a new police station, and the development of a master landscaping plan for the center of Town. In addition, he served on the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District Building Committee, contributing to the creation of a new middle school and renovations to the regional high school. In his personal life, John found joy in reading and gardening. He was known for his sharp intellect, steady leadership, and deep commitment to service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce M. Darling; his siblings, Nan C. Caldera (John), Fred H. Darling (Joanne), Jane A. Cuellar (Joseph), and James A. Darling (Kathleen); and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, colleagues, and friends who admired and loved him. Funeral arrangements are private. The family asks that donations be made in John's memory to The Wenham Fire Company, attn. Chief Stephen Kavanagh, 140 Main Street, Wenham, MA 01984 or to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, BEVERLY. Condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com