Darrold Shango McArthur

Darrold Shango McArthur was born on August 11, 1970, at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, Bronx, New York. He was the middle child of three sons of Howard (deceased) and Delores Young McArthur. His maternal grandparents, Howard and Louiza McArthur, and paternal grandparents, Milton and Lucille Young, preceded him in death.

Darrold grew up in the Co-op City Housing community, the world’s largest co-operative housing development – a complete city within a city! There he attended Truman High School and filled his extracurricular time participating in sports activities that included playing baseball, bowling, and shooting pool. After high school, Darrold enlisted in the navy and traveled the world. He was

stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, where he remained. After his navy stint, Darrold started to formulate a career plan. He was emotionally in tune with people in general and particularly with his mother whom he cherished. Consequently, Darrold was employed in the medical field and he became interested in

working for the fire department as an EMT. He thoroughly researched this field. As a disciplined student, he studied ferociously for exams. Just passing an exam was not sufficient, he wanted to excel! And, excel, he did! So, he enrolled at Florida State College of Jacksonville and completed an associate’s degree.

He leaves to cherish his memories, seven children, Darrold Jr., Jerell, Diamond, Jeremy, Ameir and BriAuna. He was a very over protective father but Darrold always wanted only the best for his family, and he made himself accountable for his family’s well-being. During Darrold’s 18 year fire department career, he worked at several fire engine stations. He made friends wherever he went, was well liked and was devoted to hard work and unrelenting excellence; this earned him a

well-deserved and impeccable reputation. He continued to groom himself and prepared to move up the fire department’s career ladder. As Darrold moved forward with his career, one of his most important tasks focused on providing guidance and direction for all of his children and grandchildren. While in a transitional process, he met his soul mate, Chelsea Hall; they were married October 2013. The duration of their nine-year marriage was a blissful experience, that included many music concerts, dining out with Chelsea as the expert food critic, having play dates with all of their grandchildren. Darrold also involved himself in sports by officiating football games and working out. And, oh, Darrold was a “true blue trekkie,” and a lover of all things Star Wars!

Darrold’s proudest moments came with the completion of his Associate’s degree, and two fire department promotions. In July 2018, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He immediately started to study for the captain’s exam. He passed it with a score in the 90’s and was promoted in November 2021 to Captain.

Darrold would have been extremely proud of what was in the making. He was very respected, and was well versed with fire department procedures; undoubtedly, Darrold had an extraordinary and positive impact on improving performance outcomes.

Captain Darrold Shango McArthur leaves to grieve his wife, Chelsea, his mother, Delores Young, McArthur, his mother-in-law, Diane Hall, his father-in-law Victor Hall; his seven children, five grandchildren his bothers, Derric McArthur (Norma) and Christopher McArthur (Cynthia), Erric McArthur; his

sisters: Tomisha Riddick (Victor), and Natasha McArthur, his aunties: Shirley McArthur, and Carol Young; his cousin/brother, David McArthur (Crystal) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, all whom will miss him terribly!

A visitation for Darrold will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Evangel Temple Assembly of God, 5755 Ramona Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the McArthur family.