William Roland Darrah

He was born December 9, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia, a son of the late William Carroll and Helen Elizabeth (Purviance) Darrah. Bill graduated from Kent State University and also attended Miami University, and Mount Union College, where he remained an avid supporter. He worked in purchasing and sales, retiring from General Tire in 1994.

Bill was passionate about golf, and played every chance he had. He also enjoyed playing racquet ball and traveling. Bill received a black belt in karate and was a former instructor. He was a member of the Kent Rotary, KSU Alumni Association, as well as the East Akron YMCA Board of Managers.

Bill is survived by his wife of 18 years Jeanne Darrah, his children: Luke (Donna) Darrah of Rootstown, Matt (Patty) Darrah of St. Louis, and Maryl (George) Polichena of Boynton Beach, FL; step-children: Dean (Patty) Antognoli of Akron and Kimberly Coss of Cuyahoga Falls; sister-in-law: Barb (Mike) Grimm of Tallmadge. His memory will also be cherished by his grandchildren: Amanda (Keith) Waesch, Kyle Ann Darrah, Darrah Polichena, Dierdra Darrah, Reagan Darrah, Michael Darrah, Russ Antognoli, Jenna Antognoli, Erin Coss, and Emily Coss; his great-grandson Nathan Waesch; and Faye Lynn Darrah. He will be greatly missed by his beloved dog, Willi.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sons Mark and Jon Darrah, and his grandson KJ Antognoli.

Cremation has taken place and friends will be received Thursday, August 4, 2011, from 6-8 PM and on Friday from 10-11 AM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Ron Regas at 11:00 AM on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. Memorial contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society – or – Akron Children’s Hospital. Special thanks to the Akron City T3 CCU and Acute Palliative Care Unit for their care throughout his illness.