Reginald Darley, of Elmhurst, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, at the age of 90. He grew up in River Forest and attended Fenwick where he was captain of the swimming and tennis teams. He attended University of Colorado and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married his beloved wife Francella in 1953 and they shared 63 loving years together. He served as vice president of W.S. Darley & Co. for more than 50 years. Reg’s love of tennis lasted his entire life, his fondest memories include being the Elmhurst Park District 1977 Singles Champion and as the 1978 Doubles Champion with Francella. He loved his time spent at Lake Geneva and many canoe trips to the Quetico with his grandsons. He also loved good literature, nature, hunting, traveling, and Native American history. He was a loving and caring Christian man who sought to serve others. He was a member of Legatus, a mission team member to the Navajo Nation in 2017 and a member of a Kairos Prison Ministry Team in 2019. Reg was the beloved husband of Francella, nee Henriod; loving father of Regina (Brian) Bollaert, Jeff (Patti) Darley, Deborah Tharp, and the late Dean; grandfather of nine and great grandfather of 12; dear brother of the late Bill (Fran) Darley, Pat (Phil) Long and Julie (Ed) Lefevour; lifelong best friend of Ray Allen. Visitation Wednesday, May 3 from 3-7 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, Elmhurst. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, May 4, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association, PO Box 37920, Boone, IA 50037. Arrangements provided by Gibbons Funeral Home. Info: 630-832-0018 or gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
