Donald Philip Darsch

Donald Philip Darsch, a deeply devoted man of God, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on March 8, 2026, at the age of 100 years, 5 months, and 8 days.

Born on September 30, 1925, in Baltimore, Maryland, Don lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and love for others. Blessed with a long and meaningful life, he often reminded those around him that “every day counts,” a truth he lived out faithfully.

A World War II U.S. Army veteran, he served his country in Europe with honor and carried that same sense of duty, integrity, and dignity throughout his life.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Nazarene College, Don went on to earn a Master of Education from Boston University, with additional studies at Harvard and Brown.

He devoted many years to education and retired from the Chatham, New Jersey, school system. There, he inspired generations of students in biology, chemistry, and math with both knowledge and enthusiasm.

Beyond the classroom, Don was a lifelong and devoted member of the Church of the Nazarene. He faithfully served the Lord through his work on the New York District Church of the Nazarene Advisory Council and as a Sunday School Superintendent. With a heart for teaching God’s Word, he ministered in Nazarene Sunday schools in Dover and Denville, New Jersey; Bangor, Pennsylvania; and Sarasota, Florida. Don also served with humility and dedication as a member of the Eastern Nazarene College Board of Trustees in Wollaston, Massachusetts, and was an active and committed member of The Gideons International, helping to share the message of Scripture with others.

He also served as the New York District Children’s Camp Director at Camp Taconic, where he mentored young lives with humor and joy, sharing his faith and creating lasting memories for countless individuals for over a decade.

A gifted storyteller, Don was also a children’s author, best known for his book Rhymes for Young Readers, published in 2025. Drawing from true stories of his childhood, he sought to encourage, teach, and uplift young hearts toward Christ.

He was a man of God who sought to honor the Lord in all he did, guiding his family with prayerful wisdom, kindness, and steadfast devotion. His life reflected the teachings of Christ through quiet service, generosity, and compassion for those in need. He found great joy in studying Scripture, being with his family and church community, and sharing his faith with those around him.

Don found great joy in visiting all 50 states with Dolores and traveling around the world through Eastern Nazarene College, experiencing God’s creation in places such as Europe, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Holy Land. Through mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Argentina with The Gideons International, he faithfully shared the love of Christ, touching many lives for His kingdom.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Dolores (Wood-Robinson) Darsch; his children: David Darsch (Cyndi), Susan Tonnesen (Garry), Mary Ruth Smith (Peter, d. 2024), Martha Kaloogian (Howard), Linda Robinson (Tamsen McGie), Robert Robinson IV (Cathy), and Debbie Daniello (Dave); as well as his cherished grandchildren: Anna Tomlinson (John), Jessica Gallego (Melvic), Rebecca Smith (Pene’lope Santana), Alexander Pierce, Robert Robinson V, and Tyler Robinson; and his cherished great-grandchildren: Myles Gallego, Chase Gallego, and Rose Tomlinson.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Ann (Smith) Darsch; his mother, Gladys (Mitchell) Darsch; his father, Earl P. Darsch; his eldest brother, Earl C. Darsch; and his youngest brother, Robert W. Darsch.

Don will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, a devoted father, a dedicated teacher, and a man whose legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in all who knew him.

His life stands as a testimony to God’s goodness and grace, and the seeds he planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

A public service to celebrate his life will be held on April 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sarasota Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 3101 Wilkinson Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231. Following the service, lunch will be provided. An interment service, open to all, will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 SR-72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Gideons International and Sarasota Trinity Church of the Nazarene, in honor of Donald P. Darsch, reflecting his deep faith and his desire to spread the Gospel.