Michael R. Darius

1945 - 2023

Michael R. Darius

Nov. 23, 1945 - Oct. 12, 2023

GRANVILLE/SPRING HILL, FL - Michael "Mick" Roberts Darius passed into the arms of the Lord on Thursday evening, October 12, 2023 in Spring Hill, Florida after a brief illness. He was born on November 23, 1945 in Granville, NY, the youngest child of the late Chief of Police Michael C. and Doris (Roberts) Darius.

Michael graduated from Granville High School in 1964, he later enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he honorably served from 1966-68, assigned to Fort Hood, TX and Fort Dix, NJ. He continued his service with the Army National Guard after he was discharged. To say that Mick loved his country is an understatement, as he always displayed his Patriotism.

He has spent the last 55 years married to the love of his life, Sandie (Manell) Darius, who he married in 1968, then raised their children and made a career with NYS as a Corrections Officer.

He enjoyed flying as a Private Pilot, as well as boating and taking motorcycling trips with his wife. One of his greatest passions throughout his life was playing guitar, many will remember him from his time playing around Granville in The Other Half Plus One, a band with his good friend, the late, Don Viger and Leon Atwood.

Michael retired to Florida with his wife in 2006 after 33 years with NYS Dept. of Corrections. There he continued his love of motorcycle riding, playing his guitar and new found hobby, Drone flying.

Michael is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra Darius; his daughter, Deb de Montozon of Greenwich NY; his son, Michael C. Darius II of Weeki Wachee FL; his grandchildren: Madison Darius, Skylar de Montozon and Joanie Lee Darius; along with his sister, Marcia Collins and her husband, Steve Collins; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his constant companion, his beloved pup, Inca.

He was predeceased by his parents, his infant sister, Gloria, sister, Carole Dutcher, niece, Diane Skeels, brother-in-law, Gerald Manell, as well as his nephew, Jerry Lee Manell, and his son-in-law, James de Montozon.

Military Service/Interment will take place at the Gerald B.H. Solomen Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY, to be determined at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made, in honor of Mick, to the American Heart Association online at www.heart.org, or to The AHA at 4 Atrium Drive #100, Albany, NY 12205.