Thomas L. Darby Jr.

Thomas (Tom) L. Darby Jr., aka Junior aka Papop, 67, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. He was virtually surrounded by his daughters and completely engulfed in love, with some of his favorite songs playing as he took his final breaths. Tom was born on June 19, 1953. He was a caring and supportive father, a devoted, fun-loving and high-spirited Papop, a kind, compassionate and dependable friend. He was a supportive son and sibling, and an overall genuine one-of-a-kind person. Tom will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, kind-hearted spirit and generosity, calm demeanor that could put anyone at ease, and a smile that would light up the room. He will be remembered for his loud cheers while watching his kids play sports or coaching football, his love for the water and jet skis, his life-of-the-party demeanor, his positive outlook on life, and his overt love for music (Darby at the Dials). When he wasn’t taking beautiful photos of the sunrise, taking road trips to see his siblings out of state, building his camping trailer, or rooting for the Packers, he enjoyed planning adventures with his forever partner in crime, and sidekick, his beloved granddaughter, Kayla. She was the sunshine of his life. Tom is survived by his daughters, Taylor and Kelsey, his granddaughter, Kayla, his ex-wife, Kathy, his mother Kiku Darby, his siblings, June Darby, Ruth and Nils Eliason, May and John Sikora, Carol and Stephen Robinson, Liz Darby, David and Linda Darby, and many adoring nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas L. Darby Sr. He attended Monmouth Regional High School, where he showcased his love for theater and sports, and Monmouth University and coached Pop-Warner and High School football. While our hearts will never be quite the same, and the sunrises may never seem quite as bright, we will keep his memory alive, celebrate his beautiful life and legacy, be the best people we can be, and simply enjoy life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the National Kidney Foundation (30 East 33rd Street New York, NY 10016) be made in his honor. Tom was an avid advocate for living kidney transplants and a 2-time kidney transplant recipient himself, blessed by his real-life heroes Nils, David, and Delma. No formal services are planned at this time. There will be a gathering for friends and family at a later date to celebrate Tom’s beautiful life. He always signed his e-mails with a quote, “we are all angels with but one wing, when we embrace we fly” - his uplifting outlook on life transcended beyond a written message.

Thomas L. Darby Jr.

June 19, 1953 - January 31, 2021