David F. Darling Jr.

David F. Darling, Jr., 88, of Middletown, husband of Maurine Pattee Darling, passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital on October 21, 2025. He was born in Hartford, son of David and Alice Darling. He was a graduate of Middletown High School and Wesleyan University, where he excelled in baseball and basketball earning many awards. David was an owner of the Robert C. White Real Estate Mgmt. Co. He was a 46 year member of the Kiwanis Club of Middletown, having served as President & Treasurer. He was a Lt. Gov. for the New England & Bermuda District of Kiwanis plus served on the Kiwanis Foundation. Pursuing his love of sports, he was a charter member and 2003 inductee of the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame. He was also a 2015 inductee into the Wesleyan University Wall of Fame. He served over 10 years as a commissioner of the South Farms Fire Department. His love of sports included UConn, Red Sox, Giants, Hartford Whalers and the CT Sun WNBA, coaching Little League & American Legion Post 75 Baseball. A gentle and quiet man, except when his team was losing or not playing the way he thought they should. David is survived by his wife of 49 years Maurine, sons David III (Joanie) of Killingworth, Todd (Kathleen) of San Francisco. Grandchildren Clare, Kathleen, Molly, Keira & Conor. Bonus children of Maurine's - Dennis (Oregon), Edward (Meriden), Andrea (Virginia), Shawn (Seattle), Shelly (Wolcott). 3 great grandchildren & 16 bonus grandchildren. Brother Harry (Frances) of Florida and sister Alice "Penny" Strom (John) of Nevada. He was predeceased by his daughter, Laura "Gidget" Darling. A Celebration of his Life will be held Saturday November 8th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the TPC River Highlands Golf Course, 1 Golf Club Road, Cromwell, CT. Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to: Kiwanis Foundation of Middletown, 505 Main St. 3rd FL., Middletown, CT 06457 or Middletown Sports Hall of Fame, PO Box 2343, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.