I generally have a terrible memory, but I will always remember chemistry in Pomona and hearing Mr. Darden's "you knowwww" Some of the memories written herein make me wistful to hear his voice again. I and all of my classmates were blessed to have been taught by such a wonderful person with a unforgettable personality. For those in his family that have outlasted this son, this brother, perhaps this father: you were so very lucky, and may Mr. Darden's memory live on in perpetuity.

WOW, it's just about a year and yet it seems like yesterday.... I can hear ur voice saying "EDWARDS"....I have become rather selfish in regard to you these days.... Our Community is in pain... But again you ar looking down so in the end we must keep moving on...WOW, Dude if only I could bring you back.....WOW

Lenora - Ernie and I just heard about Bill and were heartbroken.  We moved to N.C. in 2003 and news travels slowly.  He was a wonderful colleague and teacher as my girls can attest to.  Our hearts go out to you and his family.  We would like to make a donation in his memory.  Is there any special foundation or charity we could send it to?  
Sandy Miller
sandyqod@gmail.com

I never had the honor of having Mr. Darden as a teacher at Pomona JHS.  Yet I recall his presence, well dressed, direct yet kind, he always said hello or had a smile for me.  As a young teenager it was wonderful to have him as a role model and I knew so many kids who had him as a teacher.  Rest in peace, Mr. Darden.  My love goes out to Ms. McCabe and the entire family.  God bless you and keep you all close.  With kindness and admiration, here's to you Mr. Darden.  :o)

I had the good fortune of having both Lenora and Bill as teachers.  Bill was my 7th grade science teacher almost 30 years ago.  He was a wonderful teacher, a good man and a leader of the highest caliber.  The world will miss him, but never forget him.  
My heart is with you Ms. McCabe. Rest in Peace, Mr. Darden.
- Shannon (Slevin) Craven

Bill,
Growing up as your youngest brother was a little challenging - you were so smart and athletic - you left some large shoes to fill.  However, you always had encouraging words for me.  It was always great to see you at my games cheering for me.  I surely treasure your words of wisdom you shared with me over the years and the countless fun times and jokes we shared.  I still can't believe you are gone.  I miss you and love you so very much.
Always my brother, always my friend.
~ Love, David

Bill,
You were simply a joy to be around.  We shared a lot of laughs through the years especially at our family Christmas celebrations in Mississippi.  I am so very thankful for all the great memories.  Words can not express just how much you are loved and missed.
Your Sister-In-Law,  Ann

Bill,
May God bless you and keep you protected in His loving arms.  You will always be missed.  Love you much.  
Your brother, John.

there isn't a word that can express my sorrow. I have lost another beautiful rose from my fathers garden in heaven.  God grant me the serenity to accept the things i cannot change; courage to change the things i can; and wisdom to know the difference.  I'll miss your smile and that laugh, you are such a loving stand up guy. you know our moto: I'M WORKING ON IT haha Thank God and Enjoyed you for the time we borrowed.  I found your scent even though i had to go to another state (i didnt mind pierre cardan) your famous words DON'T TRY JUST DO I will do my best to be the best at whatever. I'll miss your wisdom and knowledge and lending me your ear to talk you to death. GO METS I know that was your team thank you for teaching me the game. thank you for being my Great Uncle Bill and overall being you.  You are so special, loved, respected and appreciated and will never be forgotten. 

Love Your Adopted Neice - Toshia R. Lewis

Uncle Bill, 
I will miss you so much. You meant alot to me. You were always there to cheer me on at games, dance recitals, concerts and musicals. I loved how we danced together at parties, even when I danced on your feet. You were always there for me when I needed you. Even on my birthday you made me laugh by singing "your version" of happy birthday. It was "off key" but I still loved it. I will always remember you and love you forever.

Uncle Bill,
I will miss how you always teased me about my voice. I will miss you being at my dance recital EVERY YEAR.  I will never forget how excited I was when we had a special assembly in my school because you and Pop-Pop came for a visit.  I was proud to have my grandfather and my great uncle read to all the 2nd graders and you asked me to help pass out pencils to everyone! It was great! At least I know that you are with your Mom and Dad in Heaven.  Love Torre

Our time was short but very well spent Bro. Bill. Forever thoughtful, humble and dignified you were a man of tremendous character. You maintained a quiet confidence while always being considerate. You are indeed the epitome of an Alphaman. I'll miss talking sports, I'll miss hearing your sports opinions and I'll miss watching the Super Bowl with you. 

Rest is Peace - '06!

Your nephew

Mr. Darden was my 7th grade biology teacher in 1969. I remember him as calm, strict, intelligent and caring. In other words-the perfect teacher.  He influenced me greatly. I am so sorry to hear that he passed away at such young age. My condolences to the Darden family.
Dr. Rolf Andersen

Lenora, I truly know the pain and sorrow you feel.  God will give you the strength necessary to make it just one more day, hour, or minute what ever it takes.  When God bring us to a situation He already has a plan to see us through it.  You and the family will always be in my prayers because I know the power of prayer.  I will always keep Bill smiling face, his kindness, and caring of others with me forever.  
Love Always,

Bro. Bill Darden was loved and well respected by his Fraternity and the Community in which he served with all his heart and soul. He will truly be missed by all.

Rest in peace Bill, you were a wonderful person. You will be missed.                    Gloria Nazemi

"He's just my Bill" and I'll miss him so.  Always there to cheer you on or wipe a tear if needed.  So many dance recitals, musicals, girl scout cookie sales and  anything else we were involved in. Always front row and center. Love you and miss you- De'Rita

If ever there was the embodiment of the phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" Mr. darden was it. His thoughtful and dignified manner served as a model for those he touched to follow. We will miss him but our lives will have been enriched by having known him.

I offer my prayers and condolences to Lenora and all members of Bill's family.  Our community has suffered a real loss of our friend Bill.  He was a humble servant, a stalwart champion of his constituents, and a loyal Alpha Brother.  We will miss him.

Uncle Bill,
You are the smartest man I have ever known and boy am I glad my mom told you that I felt that way!  You taught me so much about all sorts of things like sports, science and how to keep my temper under control especially during a basketball game that wasn't going my way.  I will miss our talks during church service, our hand squeezing contests and my measuring up to you letting you know that I am TALLER, not, AS TALL, as you.  I will miss seeing you at my games and band concerts.  I miss you so much already.  ~Darius

Pune,
Words could never express just how much I love you and miss you.  We grew up together. We excelled in sports together. We went to college together. We taught Science together. We were politicians and community leaders together. . . . .  and when you took your last breath on this earth we were together. You are my younger brother, my trusted and true friend.  So long for now, until we meet again. . . . Love George

I had Bill Darden for 7th grade science 40 years ago.  He is the one teacher who had the greatest effect on me.  He was soft-spoken yet we knew he meant business! I always enjoyed running into him from time to time  in the County throughout the years.  He will be greatly missed.  My heart goes out to his family and to our community.  Rest in peace.....
Elise Pollack Negri (East Ramapo graduate & current EastRamapo teacher)

Bill had so much to give. Bill freely gave so much to so many!I know he had more that he wanted to share with all of us. I will be forever grateful to have had a brother like Bill for 60 years. cjd

Bill,
A great brother-in-law.  A true supporter of my kids and grandkids.  Miss you dearly. - Stubby

Lenora,Very sorry to hear about Bill.He will be missed by all who knew him.

Lenora,  I have so many delightful and humorous memories of Bill and the times we all have shared.  I know his smiling countenance and unassuming manner will be missed by all who know him.  My thoughts and my prayers go out to you and the Darden family.

Loved, always to be missed. All who knew Bill will forever hold him close to heart.
Jo Anne Gurda

Hey Unk - You will never be forgotten.  We love you and miss you dearly.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I'm very sorry to hear this sad news.  The Darden family is in my thoughts and prayers, as is Leonore.  You were all such strong influences during our Pomona years.

I write this with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I had the privilege of being in Mr. Darden's class in Pomona Jr High 35 years ago. He was an amazing teacher and I learned so much. I remember when we used to have tests and he would wear his sunglasses so that we couldn't tell where he was looking and therefore not dare to cheat. 
Rest in Peace Mr. Darden. May your memory be for a blessing. My deepest sympathy goes out to Ms. McCabe and the entire Darden family.

Rest in peace - you were a peace loving man and I remember you well and fondly.  You have a place in my heart for the rest of time.
-Steven C Tuchman

He was my biology teacher in 7th Grade in Pomona Jr High. He was very helpful when i was frightened about losing my spleen. He told me he didn't have one either! He was a tough and fair teacher and as i remember a very snappy dresser.
He expected hard work from us and he gave us excellent teaching. He made a great impression on me and  he will be missed.  Diane Bader (London, England)

The Chestnut Ridge M.S. knew and loved Mr. Darden.  He made it a point to visit our school regularly to participate in career day, read-ins, and our MLK oratorical contests.  He encouraged our students to engage in learning and prepare for the future.  We will miss him as a fellow educator, civic leader, mentor of youth, and as a friend to our school.

Lenora,
Such a terrible loss for you, the family & the community. I will never forget Bill's dignified ways, and the few times I got him to laugh. He had a great laugh.  He was always professional, and the children at Pomona JHS loved him. He touched many lives. Jorie Sear

Bill Darden was my science teacher in Pomona and I'll never forgot his kindness. I thought he was ultra-cool way back then sporting his goatee and white lab coat and I will remember his gentle way and sense of humor that always made me feel comfortable in his classroom.  I'll say a prayer for him today and his companion, Ms. McCabe. God bless him.

I will miss Bill Darden.  Knew him for many years, and worked with him at the County Legislature.  I think I might have taken the picture posted here.  Can't remember specifically since I've taken my share of Legislative pictures.  "Shades", as I called Bill, was truly a gentleman.  Respected and respectful.  And, a wicked sense of humor as well.  

God bless you, Bill.  Will keep your family in my thoughts since I will not be there to say goodbye on Wednesday in person.

I pray God peace and potection for the entire family, and just know that his is at rest.

OBITUARY

William L. Darden

January 16, 1945 – October 29, 2010

Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home

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