Peter Gerald Darling

Peter Gerald Darling, loving father and grandfather, returned to the welcoming arms of his loving wife and his Heavenly Father on Friday, 2 February 2024.

Peter was born on 21 February 1940, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Joseph William and Jean Beatrice (Cussans) Darling. An only child, Peter spent most of his childhood enjoying time with his parents. He fondly remembered gathering large books from library shelves for his mother’s family history work. He loved crafting with his father, who made him a beautiful wooden bow and arrow set. His spare time was spent reading. Peter was an avid reader of science fiction novels and was often found searching the library or used bookstores for new treasures.

In 1960, Peter immigrated to the United States to serve in the Air Force. He was sworn in on the home plate of the Washington Senators baseball field. A transfer led him to Hill AFB in Utah, where he met his sweetheart. On their first date, Peter told Jean Freer they were going to be husband and wife. The couple wed six months later on 30 September 1966. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on 14 April 1970. Peter and Jean were married for forty-nine years until Jean’s death on 15 August 2015.

Peter had a strong sense of duty. He worked hard at whatever was asked of him. Whether riding his bike through the streets of London as a courier, serving his country in the Vietnam War, working two full time jobs, or fulfilling his church callings, Peter gave his all. He retired from Utility Trailer after thirty years.

Peter leaves behind his four Darling children: Wendy Darling; Michael Darling; Brianna McDaniel (Ryan); and Jonathan Darling (Lindsey). Also surviving are: twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Shirley Meier; Karolyn Campbell (Don); Richard Freer (Linda); Pam Parry (Bruce); many nieces and nephews; and ward and neighborhood friends who became his family.

No doubt Dad’s reunion with his Jeanie was sweet and her first words to him were, ‘Shave the beard.’ Until we meet again, ‘Second star to the right, and straight on ‘til morning.’

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary. 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 at the mortuary. Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery. 

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