Colonel (Ret) Gregory Darling

Colonel Darling was born in New York City on February 19th 1929 and died on February 17th 2022 in Fairfax, VA (three days before his 93rd birthday). Greg became a commissioned Signal Corps Officer in 1949. During his 32 years in the Army he was assigned to overseas assignments for 17 years including Korea, Okinawa, Germany, Vietnam, Italy, and Turkey. As a paratrooper with more than 100 jumps he was associated with the 187th Airborne Battle Group, the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Okinawa and Bien Hoa, the 2nd Airborne Battle Group, 503 Infantry, Special Forces, and the 8th Signal Battalion in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. In 1972, Greg achieved the rank of Colonel. His many distinguished awards include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Legion of Merit with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. In 1980 Greg was inducted into the Commissioned Officer Hall of Fame. Upon retirement, he became a successful RE/MAX agent/broker. As an Airedale enthusiast, he became involved with dog shows and breeding Airedales. One of his dogs won the breed at the Westminster dog show and also won at the prestigious Montgomery Kennel Club show twice. Greg is survived by his wife of 50 years, Emma. Also, surviving him are his children, Deborah, Gregory (wife Francine), and Wendy; their children (China, Rose, Salvadore, and Maya); and 5 great-grandchildren. His son, Peter, died at an earlier date. A visitation for Gregory will be held Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Demaine Fairfax Funeral Home, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. A funeral service will occur Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. A catered reception will occur Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Gregory will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Ave, Arlington, Virginia 22211. ***In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in Greg's memory to ATCA Rescue and Adoption National Airedale Rescue, Inc., 8524 Maggie Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89143-1326, or through their website: www.airedalerescue.net