Carl James Darago

Carl James Darago of Huntingtown, MD (formerly of Ashland, WV) passed peacefully February 14 at the age of 81 with his children by his side holding his hands. He was greeted in Heaven by his "sweetheart" Becky just in time for Valentine's Day. Carl was born November 12, 1943 to Mike Darago and Ora Bell (Wyatt) Darago. Carl married Rebecca Sue Willis, the love of his life, January 23, 1965.
Carl is survived by his daughter, Deborah "Dee Dee" Freeman (Lee) of Huntingtown, MD, son, Michael Darago (Candy) of Prince Frederick, MD, grandchildren Carl Freeman of Huntingtown, MD, Cory Freeman (Amber) & great grandson Oliver of Huntingtown, MD, and Kalea Darago of Prince Frederick, MD as well as his brother Daniel Darago of Pomfret, MD. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Becky, parents and brothers: Mike Jr., Garland, Steve and Oscar. Carl passed on 2/14 to prepare a spot for his younger brother George who passed three days later on 2/17.
Carl was born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia. He got his work ethic and heart from his father. Carl's family raised and grew everything on their farm. As a young teenager he had a near death experience with a ruptured appendix. Shortly after recuperating from the sickness he met this pretty little girl on a playground. He told his mother after meeting her "I am going to marry that girl one day" (Becky).
Carl proudly served in the United States Army as a US Paratrooper (82 Airborne). The first time a West Virginia boy flew in an airplane he actually had to jump out of it. Carl chose not to make a career of the military, instead he came back to marry his sweetheart Becky and start a life in Maryland.
When Carl and Becky moved to southern Maryland, Carl's brother George and his wife followed. They built neighboring homes where their kids enjoyed growing up together. Carl later moved his parents from West Virginia to their own home on his property.
Their children Dee Dee and Mike got the best from both of their parents. They were raised to be loving, strong, independent and kind. They also feel that they were the blessed ones that God chose Carl to be their Dad. God threw away the mold because there is no one like him.
Carl was a welcoming man often hosting family and friends over in this lodge. He wouldn't hesitate to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. One of Carl's greatest passions was hunting and fishing.
Along with being a father Carl took pride being a Grandfather; "Granddaddy" is what his 3 grandchildren and one great-grandchild called him. Carl's Heart was big enough for a few more and was a mentor and honorary Grandfather to many. His accomplishments are great from the bucks hanging on the walls of his Lodge, building his and his children's homes, installing antennas on houses and helping with his grandboys Eagle Scout projects. Carl was a man of few words and although you could most likely see him in camouflage he was always seen and loved. Carl James Darago will be missed greatly but his memory will live on, his legacy will forever be with those who knew him.
Rausch Funeral Home is serving the family at their Owings location. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 12, 2025 followed by the interment at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Prince George's County. The family will receive family and friends from 12:00 pm until time of services at the funeral home.
Carl's funeral service will be livestreamed on the Rausch Funeral Home Facebook page starting just prior to the 1:00pm service. In lieu of flowers monetary contributions may be sent to the Hospice of the Chesapeake.