Mr. Robert Arthur Darnell, 93, of Greensboro, died Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Clapp’s Nursing Center in Pleasant Garden.
A reception will be held Friday, July 18, 2014, 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the UNCG Alumni House, 404 College Avenue, Greensboro.
Bob was born January 17, 1921 in Craig, Colorado, the son of Arthur M. Darnell and Lura Pickett Darnell.
Bob spent his early life in St. Joseph, Missouri and Norfolk, Nebraska. He completed his undergraduate degree in music at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A master’s degree in music composition followed at the University of Texas in Austin. Bob cherished memories of subsequent study at the Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts in France with mentors Nadia Boulanger and Robert Casadesus, and in New York with Carl Friedberg. In 1948 he accepted a position on the piano faculty at UNC-G where he remained until his retirement in 1988. It was there that he met his future wife, Jane Merrick Wharton, a music faculty colleague. They wed in 1951 and enjoyed a long marriage noted for their love of each other and passion for music. Bob was a consummate teacher and maintained relationships with his students for many years. He loved hearing of their later achievements in music.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife Jane and his brother Byron Darnell.
Surviving is his daughter, Lynn Merrick Darnell Thompson of Greensboro; son, Robert Wharton Darnell and wife Christine Greenlees and their children Cameron and Liam, all of Bethesda, MD.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for the tender loving care given to Mr. Darnell by the staff of Clapps Nursing Center where he lived for the last 5 years of his life. “Mr. Bob” was much loved for his grace and gentleness by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: UNC-G Alumni Association, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170.
Written and audio condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18