Martin Joel "Jody" Darling

My Dearest Jody….I love you with all of my heart. It took me 40 years to find you, but I thank God every day that he put us on a course that allowed us to meet and share our lives for the time we had. Even though it was not nearly long enough I am blessed that I could be a part of your life. Jody, without you I would never have experienced the Love of a “Soul Mate”. Your love gave me strength beyond measure. I always told you that whenever I had a bad day all I had to do is think of you...

Fond memories of Jody. Visiting the Darling household as a teenager. Trombone section in the OMCS band. Parties at the house as we all "grew up". Boating and skiing on Seneca Lake. Jody and Barb pulling up to the dock at Peach Orchard-a big bass on the line.

From a Springsteen song-
They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong
'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning and something big was gone
Gone into that dark ether where you're still...

Hi
So sorry our loved one has left us but so glad he is not in pain any longer.
I reflect back to his first years on this good earth as a baby, as I baby sat him and the others often. May our thoughts and prayers comfort the family.
Lois Ann Halpin

I didn't know Jody, but have known Tom and Jack, especially, for many years. I was too timid today at his service to read the poem that I will include here:

O ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains,
Draw near with pious rev’rence, and attend!
Here lie the loving husband’s dear remains,
The tender father, and the gen’rous friend;
The pitying heart that felt for human woe,
The dauntless heart that fear’d no human pride;
The...

My deepest sympathy to the Darling family. I have such fond memories of Jody while growing up in Odessa. All of the musical activities in HS and that special twinkle in his eye made him so special! Deanie, Tom, Jack, and Anne; remembering Jody will always bring a smile to my face. My best to Barb and his children.

My geniune condolences to the Darling family. Jody, like the rest of the family, will always have a special place in my heart and memory that will never be forgotten.

Jodi, Lets eat and get outa here, that's what he'd say and that's what he did. I loved him dearly so long Jod
we'll be seena ya in the after life.

Though it has been many years since I have been in touch with Jody and his family, I think of him often and it always brings a smile. These memories include all the wonderful times at Peach Orchard Point - chicken barbeques, croquet, Frisbee, boating, skiing. I will always remember playing trombone with Jody in the Odessa alumni Dixieland jazz band when we played at the Glenora jazz festival in the mid '70s. He truly enriched the lives of those he touched. My deepest sympathies to Barb, Jack,...

Barb and family,
My thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time. Jodi was a one of a kind and will never be forgotten. Barb you were his angel that took care of him on earth and he will be your angel that will look over you and his family in heaven. May your wonderful memories ease your pain.
Kelly