Darrell Edgar Holland

Darrell Edgar Holland was born on December 5, 1967 in Yonkers, New York to the late Florence Holland and Joseph Gonzalez. Darrell Holland passed away peacefully on January 7, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. Darrell was educated in the Yonkers school system where he graduated in 1986 from Yonkers High School. In 1988, he became employed by the Town of Eastchester, New York Department of Public Works and worked tirelessly until his illness. His co-workers recall they were often entertained by his sense of humor. Darrell's childhood friends and family called him Poopie. Despite the funny nature of the nickname, this name stuck with him throughout his entire life. Poopie was a fitting name for Darrell. He was a fun-loving, silly prankster and loved to have fun. Darrell loved to ride bikes, play team tag, play video games and eat Crab Legs that his uncle Vernon would bring up from Baltimore, Maryland. Darrell was an avid football fan and loved watching NFL games with his family and friends on Sundays. His favorite football team was the San Francisco 49ers and he was also a long-time fan of The New York Mets baseball team. As a young man, Poopie became well known for several hobbies. He loved gold jewelry, fast cars, playing Tonk, Black Jack, listening to Public Enemy, DMX, The LOX, Prince, and sipping on a nice cold beer. On May 7, 1988, Darrell met Tonya on a double date at City Island. Neither one of them would have ever known they would become the love of each other's life. It was destiny. Finally in 2004, Darrell and Tonya began their relationship and he relocated to New Haven, Connecticut to be with her. On October 25th, 2008, Darrell and Tonya were married. Poopie was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughters and grandson. Darrell had a whole host of other nicknames that he acquired from his many friends and co-workers. On any given day you would hear people call him any one of these names: Fat Poopie, Brother Love, Kirby, Bondo, D Wheezy or Gonzalez. Darrell was a devoted, loving son, father, friend and husband. He was always giving advice and was there when you needed him. His greatest joy was his children, Darenea, Laila and step daughter, Tamia. He was most proud of his grandson, Anthony. Darrell was predeceased by his mother, Florence Jacobs Holland and his brother, Gregory Holland. Darrell is survived by his father, Joseph Gonzalez and step mother, Lillie Faye Gonzalez; his wife, Tonya Holland; his children, Darenea Holland (with ex- wife Toni Evans), Laila Holland, step daughter, Tamia Bird (Dennis,) and his grandson, Anthony Holland; his loving siblings, Kenneth Holland, Michael Bass- Gonzalez of Virginia, Daryl Armstrong Gonzalez, of Connecticut, Jonathan Armstrong, of New York, Nedra Rankin, of California, Nancy Gonzalez, of North Carolina and Ava Jordan, of New York. Darrell was closely bonded with his extended family, co-workers and brother at heart/close friend, Sean Creighton; a special cousin/brother at heart Alonzo Jacobs; his loving in laws, Gilbert and Willie Mae Morgan; his brother in law, Craig Morgan (Monique); his sister in law, Sharrie Bullock (Damian); sisters at heart and cousins, Deneen Scott, Danita Scott and Demiesha Scott Ware (Nicholas;) and host of other relatives and friends. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 1-3 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Darrell's life will be celebrated on Tuesday at 5 PM in the United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue, in Bridgeport with the Reverend Sara Smith, Esq. officiating. His interment will be private. The family would like to give a Sincere Thanks to those who have given up their time in support of Darrell. We would like to thank everyone far and near for all of your support, prayers, visits and calls during this difficult time. Darrell was one of a kind. He has left a LASTING impression in all of our hearts! Memorial contributions may be directed to: The Holland Family Education Fund c/o: Craig Morgan, 24 Colony Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610. To view his complete obituary, for travel directions or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com