Ray L. Darling, Sr.

Grafton – Ray L. Darling, Sr., 68, Grafton Town Supervisor, died at Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, NY, on Friday, February 22, 2013.
Born in Troy, NY, he was the son of the late Nelson C. and Alice Feathers Darling, Sr. and the husband of the late Carole Taplin Darling. He was a graduate of Tamarac High School, Class of 1962, and earned his A.A.S in Construction Technology in 1964 from Hudson Valley Community College. He served in the U.S. Army reserve for years, including during the Vietnam era.
Ray owned and operated Ray L. Darling, Inc., his own construction company that he began in Johnstown and presently in Grafton. Prior to establishing his own business, Ray had been employed at various construction companies.
In November of 2011, Ray was elected Town Supervisor of Grafton where he was raised, lived and wanted to continue to advocate for and be committed to keeping his community as it was while at the same time knowing that it had to move forward. He also served on the Grafton Beautification Committee as well as at the Grafton Historical Society.
Ray was an 11 Time Professional World Champion Arm Wrestler having traveled much to compete both in the U.S. and in countries abroad. He was an ambassador, mentor and coach for the sport including coaching Team USA at various competitions throughout the world. Through his commitment to the sport of arm wrestling and to his community, Ray also sponsored many fundraising events for various organizations.
Ray was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time on his ATV. He was a member of the Santanoni Hunting Club in Tahawus, NY. He enjoyed the coffee, company and camaraderie of many of his friends regularly at the Stewart’s in Cropseyville.
Ray is the devoted father of Ray L. Darling, Jr. and wife Kathy of Scotia, NY, and Scott F. and wife Kristine Darling of Wynantskill, NY, who are survived by their mother, Patricia Joseph of Charlton, NY. He is the loving fiancé of Jodie Deschaine of Grafton, the cherished brother of Nelson C. Darling, Jr. and wife Jan of Grafton, Diane and husband Terry Perkins of Lowville, NY, John Darling, Esq. and wife Julie of Grafton and William and wife Barbara Darling of Brunswick, NY. Ray is the cherished “Grandpa” and “Grandpa Ray” of Elizabeth, Victoria, Madelyn, Audrey, Megan, Gabriel, Zachary and Ethin. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his brothers, the late Robert Darling, who is survived by his wife Diana Darling of Gloversville, NY, and the late Theodore Darling.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday morning, February 28, at 10 am at the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home, 312 Hoosick Street in Troy. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm.
Interment with military honors will be held in Grafton Cemetery, Grafton.
It is desired by the family that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY, 12205, in memory of Ray L. Darling, Sr.
Ray’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Albany Medical Center Hospital CPS Unit, Dr. Britton and staff as well as to Ray’s brother-in-law Rick and wife Lynda McLaughlin and their three daughters, Lyndsey, Jenna and Emily for their support and loving care.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Morris – Stebbins – Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home.