David Darby

A Lifetime of Family

Family might be defined as a group of people who are related to each other, but it’s
more than that. It’s a meaningful connection in a world of uncertainty. It’s a shoulder

to lean on. It’s love and support. It’s wonderful, and it’s necessary.

~ Unknown

Whether you knew him as Dave, “Uncle Dave,” Mr. Darby, or “David L,” David had a way of coming
into the lives of others and becoming “family.” He had brothers and sisters that were not related by blood,
and many around him that shared no relation but a true connection that would prove stronger than any
biological bond. He was a friend, father, son, brother, and husband, and just as his presence found his way

into our lives, his absence will be forever etched in our hearts.

Obituary

David Lindsey Darby, first graced us with his presence, October 30, 1954 in Sulfur, Louisiana. The
second born of 6 siblings, David was raised by both his mother Emily and father, Lindsey Darby, in the
heart of Philadelphia, PA. Naturally drawn to music, David along with with his brothers and sisters first
began singing in church during Christmas services. Their rendition of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” would
serve to be a foundation for their Christian roots.

As a youngster, David found his voice, becoming the lead singer of the band, “The Lavadors,” performing
shows throughout Philadelphia with band members, Roy, Vincent, June, Leon, William, and his brother
Curtis. In 1971, David decided to join the military, serving two years oversees in Hamburg, Germany as a
Private in the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

The 1980s also proved to be a memorable decade for David, as he became a father of three daughters,
Dawn, Joy, and April. In 1985, he graduated from the Philadelphia Fire Academy, serving the city as a
firefighter, and spending the majority of his career on Engine 5, Ladder 21, and Ladder 23. He also
completed EMT training throughout his tenure, and later retired from the academy in 2014, serving 29
years on the job.

In 2005, David wed long time companion Crystal Hardy in a private ceremony held in Antigua. Prior to
their union, David and Crystal spent many years together, blending their families and watching their
children grow. David became a father and confidant to all three of Crystal’s children, Maurice, Jamal, and
Tyeisha. Their union was later celebrated upon their return by their closest family and friends.

On January 30, 2018, David took his final breath here on earth, leaving a whole host of family, friends,
and colleagues that will miss him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Crystal Darby, mother Emily Darby,
his brother Curtis, 3 sisters, Anne, Esther, Nadine, and “adopted” sister, Denise Bennet; his 3 children,
Dawn, Joy, April, and his “first born before his first born,” daughter, Shawntae Brabham; 3 children from
his extended family, Maurice, Jamal, and Tyeisha; 5 grandchildren (from children), Daisja, Seth, (from
his extended family) Praithe, Alaysia, and Chantel; 2 nieces, April and Rose; 6 nephews, Tony, Tyrone
Jr., Tyler, Amon, Jesse, and Jamie, along with a multitude of cousins, aunts, uncles and those like family
who never officially made it on the tree. He is preceded in death by both of his maternal and paternal
grandparents, his father, Lindsey Darby, nephew, Tommy Hinton, and brother, Emmanuel “Puggs”
Darby.