Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Darling Obituary
Spencer - Thomas S. Darling, age 71, went to God on Thursday, February 25, 2021. He passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness. Tom was born in Elmira, New York on June 29,1949, the son of the late Stanley M. and Helen J. Couch Darling. He was predeceased by his brother Martin Joel (Jody) Darling in 2009.
Tom is survived by his wife, Lillian E. Marshall Darling, sister, Anne L. Darling Hull (Timothy) and niece Jessica; brother John (Jack) H. Darling (Francine) and nieces Emily, Abbey and Dana; Jody's daughters Alexis and Ashley; Step-mother Joyce Darling as well as extended family and friends.
Tom was graduated from Odessa-Montour Central School in 1967.
An avid sports fan, he eagerly supported the Boston Red Sox and any sports team that represented Syracuse University.
As his tribute to honor our Nation's Veterans, Tom sent our soldiers to their rest by playing Taps at the graveside, representing the Odessa American Legion.
A skilled craftsman, Tom was proud to have contributed his abilities in the restoration of the Malabar X schooner at the Cayuga Wooden Boat Works.
He displayed a plaque that read "There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be."
Tom was also a talented bluegrass musician who developed life-long friendships through the music they lovingly shared at their "Picking Parties". A favored hymn, In the Garden, holds a gift of comfort and Hope to those who grieve his loss.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
The family suggests that donations in Tom's memory be made to: Lourdes Hospice,4102 Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850, or the charityof choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls. To leave the family a message of condolence, or to light a "Candle of Remembrance", please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Darling
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
3 Entries
Patrick Conrad
September 15, 2024
I´m so sad to see this. I met Tom as a young craftsmen who over time became one of my favorite people to work with. This world is a lesser place without you, Tom.
Margie Smith
March 1, 2021
I will miss Tom's nightly visits to the store dearly, his stories and jokes always made me laugh. I considered him a friend, not just a customer. May you win all the scratch offs in heaven. My thoughts and prayers to Lillian.
Nancy Cook
February 28, 2021
I first met Tom as a new co-worker, office help at the boatworks where he was a boatwright. And Tom always called me Mrs. Cook. One day I found a small "Kilroy Was Here" paper sign with familiar architectural lettering perched over the top of my computer monitor. "So hey Tom, who's Kilroy?" ... a fun introduction to a famous historical riddle.
Amazing concert recordings could sometimes be heard in the late afternoons from Tom's work area. Once in awhile he would take a break and bring out the mandolin, guitar, or even the horn. Longer ago, his brother or sister or cousin or Mom would drop by the shop sometimes.
Easy to banter, Tom made you laugh. There were certain Tom-Darlingisms like:
"Hey what's the big hurry?"
"Never mind all that."
"It's the least I can do. If I could do less, I would."
It seems like I can still hear Tom. He still makes me laugh.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Darling's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Darling
Funeral services provided by:
Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home122 N. Genessee St., Montour Falls, NY 14865
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Darling's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
