Richard “Dick” Darlington, of Melbourne Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Friday June 10th at the age of 86. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Dick will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sheila Darlington, daughter and son in law Rebecca and Rob Van Epp of Katy, Texas, and 3 grandchildren Kaitlyn, Jacob and Jackson Van Epp. He was proceeded in death by his father Richard Darlington, mother Florence Hetsch, and sister Mona Heathcote.
Dick was born in Radnor, Pennsylvania and moved to Leesburg, Florida at the age of 8. From a young age he had a passion for cars. After high school he joined the US Army and served in the Army Reserves for over 20 years. In addition he began building and racing his own cars, always a Chevrolet. He frequently raced in Daytona and elsewhere in Central Florida. He has a life-long love for NASCAR, especially Chevrolet racing teams.
He went on to become a car dealer for Chevrolet, Honda, Acura, and Saturn throughout his career. He not only knew and understood every aspect of building a car, but also how to run a successful business. His mantra was always “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
His true love in life was his wife Sheila. He loved his family, and in his later years enjoyed becoming a grandfather. He always had a good joke to tell, or an encouraging word. He was a true gentleman, and a blessing to all that knew and loved him.
He will be laid to rest at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, Florida. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 18th at 2pm at Buena Vida Estates located at 2129 West New Haven Ave, in West Melbourne, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Darlington family.
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Wounded Warrior Project4899 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32256
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