David W. Darlington

David W. Darlington, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Neighborhood Hospice Inpatient Unit, with family at his side. 

He and his wife, Sarah Pratt Darlington, enjoyed 56 years of marriage together.  They spent a lifetime together beginning as childhood farming neighbors, continuing as classmates, marrying in 1961 and raising a family on Hillhurst Farm, the family's Century Farm.  He devoted his life to his wife and his family.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children: his daughter, Debbie McAnally (Bill) and his three sons, Ken, Jerry (Nancy) and Jeff (Angie). In addition, he is survived by ten grandchildren: Sean, Scott, Patrick, Andrew, Alexander, Thomas, Alaina, Hunter, Sara and Christopher and his three siblings: Janet (Paul) Haldeman, Stephen Darlington, and Ruth Ann Valli. 

Born on May 10, 1938 in West Chester, PA, he was the son of the late William E. Darlington and Thelda Walker Darlington.  David was a graduate of Unionville High School, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science from Penn State University in 1960. 

After graduation, he returned to manage his family’s 5th generation dairy farm in Pocopson.  He was fortunate to be surrounded by family in the Pocopson Valley, who all enjoyed working beside him on the farm. He was a mentor to many, sharing his wisdom and vast knowledge of the land and the farm.  In 1988 he sold the dairy herd and passed the farm management reins to his sons, Ken and Jeff.  He remained actively involved in the farm until his passing.  After his retirement from dairy farming, he accepted a position with Hagley Museum and Library as the Supervisor of Grounds, where he worked until 2000.

He spent his golden years enjoying traveling, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, drinking coffee in the mornings with his family, and watching the views of the farm from his rocking chair on the porch. He enjoyed volunteering at Brandywine River Museum, following Penn State football, and feeding the cows and birds.  He always had a fondness for all animals, nature, and time in the outdoors.  He enjoyed great food and friendly conversations, and served as an honorary driver for Sarah and her sorority sisters when they attended reunion luncheons. He and Sarah, longtime members of Birmingham Friends Meeting, were married in the Meeting House. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service at Birmingham Friends Meeting, 1245 S. Birmingham Road, West Chester, PA  19382 on Saturday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Neighborhood Hospice Inpatient Unit, 795 E. Marshall Street, Suite 204, West Chester, PA  19380.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181 DellaFH.com

 Service Information