You would be 58 today.  Which still sounds young and makes 52 sound so very young.   I know you never imagined you’d be gone so soon.  You had so much you still wanted to do, and you so looked forward to being a grandpa and teaching Landon about music and people and life.  You always loved old people.  Old people and dogs.  And your family.  We all miss you so much. Not fair, not fair, not fair.  But I take some comfort knowing that you are there to take care of all of our puppies. I vacillate from anger to sadness and always, always lonely without you, though I’m trying my best.  I love you KDF.

Hi Dad…

I just wanted to share this beautiful painting of you and the kids that Josh had made up. The artist did a wonderful job capturing all of you. I hope we’re making you proud. We miss you and love you. Happy (almost) birthday…

Another Father’s Day, come and gone without you. It never gets easier but knowing that my babies have you to look over them brings me peace. Landon has grown into a wild, young soul who loves rock and roll. I know that you’d be proud and would be teaching him how to play any and all instruments. As for AJ, she loves your cuckoo clock. She would spend hours cooing at it and smiling, if she could. I’m positive she senses you in the clock and that she’s talking to you. 

We all miss you here and love you. Happy Father’s Day.

Whoever said it will get easier with time had no idea what they were talking about.  I still think about you every single day and am always trying to think “what would KDF say?”.  And just about every day I hear or see something that I know only you would laugh with me about.  You could always make me laugh.  Your amused smirk and sparkling eyes when you were trying to stifle a laugh are always in my mind’s eye.  I know you’re watching over me and Manda and Josh and Landon and Aubrey.  And I know you’re taking care of Chippy for me.  I miss you so much and I hope you’re proud of me and the choices I’ve had to make.  I love you angel.

Recalling riding  shotgun w/KDF in his  trusty  Mustang  on a sunny day in SoCal.  I was new to the  state and area- -but he knew where all the good stuff was!  And was happy to share 😊 .

Trying to keep happy memories top-of-mind.  This was your birthday in 2014.  You were 48 years young and so happy that Manda and Josh were there to celebrate with us.  I miss you angel but trying to be strong .  XOXO I love you ❤️

Hey Darren. You would love it here ☘️ you have been in my thoughts lately and  I can’t help but miss your huge smile and massive hugs. I wanted to let you know that you will be seeing Hank soon. He is an old man now but still loves life, treats and barking at the neighbors but it won’t be long. All our dogs adored you and a holiday with you and Marilyn was the best thing ever, I used to get so ticked off  when you encouraged all those bad habits in my dogs but I know that you loved them the like they were your own. We miss you 
🐾❤️🐾

I don’t know what everyone else thinks but I see KDF in Landon.  Both lady-killers for sure.  KDF would have loved to talk with/hang with Landon.  I know he’s with him in spirit though so I try to take solace in that.  I miss you angel.  Thank you for the feather. I needed it today.  XOXO

18 years ago we said “I do”.  It seems like only yesterday.  Honeymooning in Cali while our house flooded.  We were happier than ever.  Love and miss you angel.  Every day.  XOXOXO

Here we are at the beginning of a New Year, getting older and still missing you and especially your phone calls.  Each day I pass your pictures on the wall and smile remembering when each was taken. We celebrated Christmas Eve and your grandson Landon was the center of attention.  Preschool has opened up a new world to him and he has become so friendly and a joy to be with.  Brett spent time with him playing with Legos and his gift to Landon was the highlight of the day.  In fact, they had so much fun that when it was time to sit down for dinner he invited Brett to sit next to him instead of his dad, Josh.  Nicole and Jess were happy to see him and his new personality.  Landon may not look like you but has some of your mannerisms and that twinkle in his eyes.    Missing you always and know it is only a matter of time before we meet again.
Love
Mom and Dad



Not a day goes by that I don’t miss, want, love, and need you.  We never made a big deal about birthdays but I’d give anything to have you here to celebrate.  Here’s a memory from 2015.  Such an un-fillable void.  No words to express how I feel but I know you know.  I love you Angel.

You have left a void in all our lives.  We have fond memories of celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2017.  This year was our 65th year together and there was not much to celebrate without you and Marilyn joining us.    Dad and I reminisce often and still remember the day we  brought you home.  You could charm everyone and it is nice to see that Bernice remembers you so fondly.  
Life goes on and we are still managing to stay independent
 but it is getting harder each year as Dad is getting more fragile each year but we have been blessed to have Morristown Medical Center keep him in good health with a special program called Heart Success.  Now life is one day at a time and eventually we will meet again.  Miss you always and your phone calls and flowers.  
Love Mom & Dad
XOXOXOXOX


I miss you every day angel and hope you’re proud of me.  Three years on but still feels like you just left yesterday.  This is one of those millions of pictures I forced you to take when you didn’t want to.  I’m glad I did. I love you forever.     

Dear Marilyn:  Thinking of you on this day and hoping that your good memories are helping you as the years go by.  I love to go through the pictures from time to time as it clearly shows how much you and Darren loved each other.  I hope you find peace.
Love,
Bernice


You would think that after almost two years I would have found a new normal, or have at least the beginnings of a plan for how to move forward.  But I don’t.  The world is an empty place without you in it and there’s no way to fill the void you left.  I still think of you the first thing every morning and the last thing every night and all of the moments in between. This is not the way it was supposed to be.  I am really, really, really pissed at you for leaving me.  But I love you just the same.  Landon is getting big and I think about how much fun you would be having with him.  You always wanted to be a grandpa and you would have been a fantabulous one. I still remember how your hugs felt and the million silly funny goofy things we shared that nobody else understood or even noticed.  You were my music man and my partner in crime.  You had a giant, open heart and a beautiful soul.  Always searching for answers that just weren’t there.  Always looking for the good in the world and in people, and when you couldn’t find it you would blame yourself instead of accepting that maybe it just wasn’t there.  You made me a better person and I still try to see things through your eyes but it’s hard and not the same.  You were and always will be my best friend.  Yaya kept me company as long as she could but she really needed you in the end.  I hope you are at peace somewhere.  Somehow.  Though I am not.  I still try.  I love you KDF.




Just about 18 months since you’ve been gone from this earth.  I think of you and miss you every single day.  I have so many happy memories and can still hear your voice and feel your hugs.  What I miss most of all are your sense of humor, the sparkle in your eye and smirk of your lips when you found something funny, the love and acceptance you enveloped me in, your patience and your ability to hear me.  I could tell you anything and not be judged, and I knew that you always had my back.    I like to believe that you are with Kelsey and Maya and Abby.  And your grandfather and cousin Karl.  But I don’t know.  I just like to believe it.   I wish you were here.  This gaping hole in my heart has not gotten any smaller, nor easier to bear.  I love you KDF.

Dear Marilyn:
I read your newest entry and it makes my heart ache for you.  You have such wonderful memories of the sweet and compassionate man you were married to.  My hope for you is that time will help your pain.  A year is just a blink of an eye and everything is still so new.  May you find strength in your memories.  With love, Bernice 

I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since you left me.  I feel the loss of you from this earth more every day.  I will miss you every single day of my life.  It is not getting easier.  It is getting harder.  Everything i see and do I want to share with you, but I can’t.  I miss your love, I miss your voice, I miss your smile and your laughter, and your beautiful blue eyes.  I miss how you used to explain music to me.  I can’t listen to any of the bands  or songs we both liked because it hurts too much.  I miss your ability to reason with me when I’m being hard-headed and how you could help me keep everything in perspective.  You would feel my slightest hurt or worry without me having to say a word.  I miss how you knew something about just about everything and could fix just about anything.  And how you never lost your patience with me even when you had to explain the same things over and over again.  I miss the confidence you gave me, and the way you made me feel loved. I miss you cooking for me and our friends.    I miss being able to tell you my silliest ideas and my darkest fears.  I miss sitting on the front porch with you and keeping track of heckle,  jeckyll and schmeckle and our fierce white owl.  I wish you were here to see our garden.  And I wish you were here to teach Landon all of the things you loved and to have him know you.  What a loss that little boy suffered and he doesn’t even know.   I miss the way you loved our puppies and your friends and family, and how you always gave people second and third and fourth chances because of your kind and generous heart.  Most of all I miss your hugs. I love you KDF.  We didn’t have enough time.  

So sorry to hear of Darren’s passing.  Darren and I worked  together for a number of years at Berkeley College.  I have many fond memories of him in and outside the work place.  And we had many interesting and enjoyable conversations.    A genuine soul that always had his daughter’s best interest at heart.  He loved his wife dearly and life in general.   I was not able to attend his memorial due to work commitments but I know Darren would have understood.   Darren’s memories will live on with all the wonderful people he’s touched through out his life.  

I was saddened by the news of Darren's passing. I have fond memories and appreciation of Darren from his many years at Berkeley College.  Regretfully I was not able to attend the memorial last week.  My deepest sympathy to Marilyn and to Darren's family.
Kevin

Bro, I haven't stopped thinking about you since you died and it hurts. I am so sorry for the grief you had endured prior to leaving for California. There are people who try to minimize other peoples efforts and you never did that with me. You offered all of your encouragement and support for which I will always be grateful. You lifted me up when I was down and that's the lesson you taught me, to accept what you are and never let the bastards grind you down. The people who did minimize and belittle had never deserved the love and respect you offered. You have no idea how much I'm going to miss you.  So, goodbye my friend, rest easy and I'll see you again someday.

Not long after meeting, a group of us went on a trip to northern California. After we all got settled at the hotel in San Simeon, Darren and I found a couple chairs by a fire pit, enjoyed a few beers, and talked for hours as the Pacific Ocean waves crashed against the shore. I don't remember what we talked about, but it was obvious we'd be friends for a long time, and we were.

There are many memories to recount- some lousy, some fantastic, and all special. Backyard BBQs. Removing furniture in anticipation of another flood. Thinking the television cut out at the end of The Sopranos finale. Missing Darren and Marilyn when they relocated to California to follow their dream.

We lost touch in recent years and for that, I am truly regretful. However, had we better kept in touch, the loss would be no more or less significant. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Marilyn and Amanda,
I cannot express the depth of loss and grief that you must be going through. Darren was there during one of the darkest times of my life and helped to ease me back toward the light. I’ll never forget his kind and gentle soul and his humor, his passion for music and enthusiasm in bringing WR back for one last hurrah.  Although, we had connected for a little while after 15 years, his memory will forever be kept in my heart. i love you, brother. 

Dear Marilyn and Amanda, 

To say I am heartbroken is only scratching the surface, and I won't pretend to come close to knowing what you are going through.   I am so sorry.  

I cannot write anything cogently at this moment, other than that I loved your husband and father very much, and treasured every moment of our 23 years of deep friendship and trust.  

For now I will share this memory of me and Darren from last July.  Though there is great sorrow in knowing that this would be the last time I would see him alive,  I hope the genuine happiness and joy evident in this photo shows what a blessing it was to have Darren in my life.  

Love and Peace,
Jimmy

Found another memory from our past on the Berkeley Softball team.  Two seasons and we won one game, but we had a lot of fun. 

Marilyn, I was deeply saddened by the news of Darren's passing. I hope you are surrounded by much love at this time.  My deepest sympathy to you and the family.

Love,
Lisa Banfield 

It's still so difficult to believe that this happened. Darren, you were a fantastic musician, a great person, and a wonderful friend. You weren't in my life for very long, but the time we had was incredibly meaningful, and a testament to the quality of man you were. Working and spending time with you has had a such a strong impact on me, and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life. 

I still have such vivid memories of sitting with you in home control room, me with some scotch you with some weed, listening back to the most miscellaneous minutia in every track we recorded together, trying to make sure everything is "just right." Now I have to make sure everything is "just right" without you, and that is a daunting task. Darren, your wit, your talent, your kindness, your work ethic, your humor -- all of the things that made you such a joy and comfort to be around -- will be missed tremendously.




It was always apparent that the love and adoration that Darren and Marilyn had for each other was special.  I could see how much Marilyn loved Darren when she spoke about him and in her commitment and support for him in his dreams and saw the same love from Darren towards Marilyn when I saw them  together.    Darren and Marilyn….you were both fortunate to have found the “love of your life” with each other.  

Marilyn…I am so heart-broken for your loss and believe Darren is an angel looking over you now.  My sincere and deepest sympathy to the Faller family.  


I can't remember the first time I met Darren but I do remember my overall impression was of a striking person who loved music, good food, and most of all, my sister, Marilyn. For this I will be forever grateful. I am happy that he and Marilyn followed their dream and ventured out to Southern California and for the peaceful life they created there. Darren always showed a genuine interest in family and thoroughly enjoyed jamming with my fellow-music loving husband when he could! I am so glad we got to spend some Cali family time with him a few Thanksgivings ago. I will cherish those memories for a long time to come. Darren, your unique spirit will never leave us.  

Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss.  I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet your husband several years ago when we all went to the dog beach.  My condolences to you and your family.  

I'm truly at a loss for words but have thought of you everyday since hearing the news.

I will always remember Darren's kindness, thoughtfulness and humor.  There's so many jokes and catch phrases that I can not mention here that still make me laugh to this day.

Say hello to Abby and Kelso Crickle!

You are missed.

Darren,

I have… no idea what to say. I mean, I love you, obviously. I miss you. But how do I quantify what you meant to me and my family? How can I possibly find words to express what an absolutely, positively, righteously good dude you were?

Even though I’ve only known you for a few all-too-short years, I feel as if you’ve been a part of my life forever - you’ve quite honestly been like another brother to my dad, like another uncle to me. Your intellect, your discernment, your verve, and your candor will be missed forever and beyond.

You were always quick to laugh and quick to crack a joke, but knew just as well when to probe, to ask a question of genuine interest, and to actually care what the answer was. Your passion inspired me and your creativity excited me. Your love for dogs, for music, for good food and better whiskey, for your friends, for your family, for Marilyn, are exemplary of a life damn well lived.

Thank you for showing me how to marinade and grill a perfect chicken breast. Thank you for shoving overly-aggressive bros out of my way at concerts. Thank you for getting me drunk on some of the finest Scotch I’ve ever had. Thank you for arguing over movies and TV shows with me. Thank you for giving me CDs of rad bands I had never heard. Thank you for shushing my dad when he talked too much. Thank you for welcoming me into your home. Thank you for treating me like one of your own. Thank you.

Peace be with you, brother.
-Chris

I first met Darren in elementary school.  I remember he had the sweetest face and smile.  I sat next to him in one of my high school classes where we always enjoyed talking to each other about our favorite rock bands, and he still had that sweet face and smile.  I’m so very sad to hear of his passing.  My deepest condolences to all of Darren’s loved ones.

I met Darren about 30 years ago when we were long haired Rock Stars. I’ll will always remember the good times, the laughs and the great music we played together. I’ll cherish those memories forever.
Laura and I offer our condolences to Darren’s wife, family and friends.


I met Darren in 2010 at the Irvine dog park. I had just moved to California. We instantly became friends realizing we were from neighboring towns in NJ and we both were insanely obsessed with our dogs. We met daily and often stayed for hours just talking and enjoying that Cali sunshine. My dog Watson loved to play with Maya and Kelsey...Hank,Chet, Annie, Isis, Bodie, Cooper... the original crew! I looked forward to meeting up everyday.
I’ll never forget the kindness he showed me when he watched Watson over Christmas when I returned to NJ. He joked with me just a few short months ago that I still owed him dinner.  I’m so glad we remained friends and I really wish I was able to get back to Cali to treat him and Marilyn to dinner.

Rest easy my friend. 
Lauren

How could I have ever have imagined that this past mother’s day would be the last time I got to spend time with you?  That “how to perfectly caramelize onions” and the “coolness of Grand Theft Auto” – would be my last KDF life lessons?  That when Russell and I gave you and Marilyn hugs and kisses good bye – we would never be together like that again?  That when you walked Russell and I to the curb – it would be the LAST TIME – our last goodbye.

Each time I came to visit I left with something more than just a full belly.  Whether it was a new TV show to watch or exposing me to a classic rock song or band that this urban kid had the audacity to not know of.  You let me play with your drum set and even taught me how to play a couple of combinations. Then you tried to teach me how to play some guitar chords I think in hopes you’d convince me how much cooler guitar playing was – but gave up when I told you I wouldn’t sacrifice my manicures for it. 

I often joked that Marilyn and you were like parents to me…even though the age gap between us wasn’t too far apart.  The reason was the love between Marilyn and you radiated such warmth that “going to the Faller’s” felt like going “home” to me – a safe haven where my little terrorist and I always felt loved and welcomed.  The combination of the life lessons and the warmth in your home – made you seem like parents to me.

KDF, your unexpected departure, from this stage called life has shaken all of us to the core.  Russell will miss hanging out in your arms while you carried him around telling him what a good boy he is.  Thank you for loving my ornery little guy…even when he acted like a little jerk.  Your loss is incomprehensible – heartbreaking to us all.  

Marilyn, Amanda and the Faller family, you have my deepest condolences – this talented, kind, warm and passionate soul will be missed.  

Diane (and kisses from Russell)

Marilyn, I am very sorry for your loss.  I am happy that I had the opportunity to spend some time with you both several years back when we met up for drinks at the pub with Susan and Mark.  Darren was so easy to talk with, he was so genuine~and so happy to be with you in California.  God bless you and help you through this difficult time. xoxo

I think it’s important to know how amazing he was. He was a lot of things to a lot of people. A great father, a great friend, an amazing man. But he was selfless. He took on things that most people turn away. When i was about 4 years old, this amazing man came into my life. I was a very difficult child to say the least. I wasn’t very accepting. I kept everyone at a distance, even at a young age. That didn’t stop him from putting his all into being my father when he didn’t have to be. He accepted my flaws as a daughter and loved me anyway. He treated me as his own child, never his step daughter. He was there from my first day of kindergarten to my high school graduation. I can’t imagine having a better man in my life to raise me. 

I’m glad I was able to spend time with you buddy. We had a great time making music and spending time in the studio. Taken too soon but will live on forever in our hearts and the music we created as a band. 

A few of my memories of Darren.

Me sharing with him that I took up guitar this year, and he noticed I didn't get a Les Paul guitar and joked about it. 

He would play this small plastic guitar in the office, and one day I went up to him took it off his desk and smashed it, everyone laughed so hard.

We were in CA for a conference and Darren never saw the Pacific Ocean.  I rented a car and drove us there so he could see it.  He was so happy to see it, and I got the feeling he wanted to live there.

When Darren was just starting to date Marilyn he would go on and on about how he liked her.  Clearly it was true love. 

Lastly when I got sick a few years back Darren was one of the first people to call me up to see if I was ok, and followed my whole recovery.  

In Feb of this year I told him I was going to be out there for a conference, and the first thing he did was tell me to come over and stay with him. 

Seeing Darren play both with the Comrades,  and Liquid Spider Station was also a fond memory. 

He will be missed. 

Len-


Darren, 

Your smile, laugh and love you had for Marilyn, Amanda, Landon, and your family will be remembered forever.  I can still see you on stage playing, while we were awed by your talent.  Thank you for being a wonderful friend to Mark and me.  We have so many beautiful memories of dinners, movies, car shows, doggie parks, and concerts.  Watching you play guitar was magical, and Mark and I will miss you so much.   My absolute favorite memory is when we were waiting for Marilyn to drop off an instrument before you played with The Babys in Santa Ana.  You said, "Marilyn is such a doll" with such a wonderful smile.  You are in our hearts forever. 

Love, 

Susan and Mark

I remember when you won the Most Beautiful Baby contest, Darren.  You were adorable with those long dark eye lashes against those beautiful blue eyes.  And that smile...you had this way of tilting your head and peeking up at my sisters and me with that little half smile.  

I’m glad you were able to live your best life with Marilyn.  It sounds wonderful.

Rest In Peace beautiful boy.

Darren. What am I going to do ? 
Who is going to pick the right wine or serve up a perfectly cooked steak? Who is going to host those fabulous family Thanksgiving dinners we enjoyed for so many years or debate the finer points of a good whiskey. What about the dogs, you always took care of them like they were your own and that was such a gift. I remember all those times you walked in the back door and encouraged all the dogs to jump on you and I would get so mad because I thought you were teaching the dogs bad manners. What I wouldn’t give  for you to walk in that back door one more time so I could tell you what a great friend you were. I could tell you how I would laugh when you and Jim were working in the studio and I could hear you bickering over the composition of a piece of music. I could tell you how much I loved to hear you play. One of my last memories was of you as a proud granddad sharing all the pictures of baby Landon. I’m truly sorry that you won’t be here to see him growing up. I miss you. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Marilyn and the Faller family.

Darren is my son-in-law and will always be another loving son to me, wherever, whenever.    After my husband passed about three years ago, I moved to California to be near my daughter, Marilyn, and her husband, Darren (whom she always refers to as "KDF").   For every little or big task to be done helping in my transition-- he was there asap. But most of all I'll remember his smile, and  big heart.  And, of course, he was very smart, talented, a wonderful counselor if needed, and he had a great sense of humor!  We had great conversations; he liked that we could disagree at times and laugh about it. California was his dream and I’m glad he got to appreciate nature here with my daughter. Anyone will tell you he loved her beyond measure.  Peace.


I met Darren 9 years ago after he and Marilyn moved to California. Within a few months, he'd become the best friend I'd ever had. That's when my son was diagnosed with Metastatic Cancer (he's since gone into complete remission). Pretty much everyone I knew was afraid to talk about that with me, not Darren. He helped me lean into it, say out loud how fearful I was and how much I hurt. He helped me face and fight back against those fears.

Shortly after that, we started playing music together (oh man, what a great guitar player he was). He was so passionate and talented as a musician but more so, as a human. I'm not ashamed to say I'm crying my eyes out writing this. I miss him so much. 

Marilyn & Amanda, I'm aware you know how special a man he was. I don't have the words to express how sorry I am for your loss.

And if anyone out there has a friend as special as he was, who would do anything for you and whom you would do anything for, tell them. Tell them right now.

We will always remember the good times we had on William Street in Little Falls, NJ.  Amazing how a few floods can bring neighbors together.

Besides being the best man at our wedding, he was a  punk rocker, dog lover, red wine drinker, lawn care maven, boxing fan, devoted father, and all around great guy.

We will miss you dearly KDF!!! Our hearts go out to Marilyn, Amanda and the rest of the family.

Julia and Andy Karras

I remember how happy we were in 1999 when after a long season of losing, our Berkeley College Softball Team won its first softball game.  We congratulated each other and celebrated as if we had won the World Series!

We all signed the game ball, which Len De Botton still has.

Darren, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers and we will miss you.

Steven Millet






OBITUARY

Darren Faller

August 21, 1966 – June 17, 2019

Fairhaven Memorial Services

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