03/20/2026
A prayer warrior for Grace New England. Martha Kaloogian’s Dad. To God be the Glory!
Donald Philip Darsch, a deeply devoted man of God, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on March 8, 2026, at the age of 100 years, 5 months, and 8 days.
Born on September 30, 1925, in Baltimore, Maryland, Don lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and love for others. Blessed with a long and meaningful life, he often reminded those around him that “every day counts,” a truth he lived out faithfully.
A World War II veteran, he served his country in Europe with honor and carried that same sense of duty, integrity, and dignity throughout his life.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Nazarene College, Don went on to earn a Master of Education from Boston University. He devoted many years to education as a high school science teacher, inspiring generations of students in biology, chemistry, and math with both knowledge and enthusiasm.
Beyond the classroom, Don was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene. He faithfully served on the New York District Church of the Nazarene Advisory Council, as Sunday School Superintendent in Dover, New Jersey, a member of Eastern Nazarene College board of Trustees as well as a member of Gideons International.
He also served as the Christian children’s director at Camp Taconic, where he mentored young lives with humor and joy, sharing his faith and creating lasting memories for countless individuals for over a decade.
A gifted storyteller, Don was also a children’s author, best known for his book Rhymes for Young Readers, published in 2025. Drawing from stories of his childhood, he sought to encourage, teach, and uplift young hearts toward Christ.
He was a man of God who sought to honor the Lord in all he did, guiding his family with prayerful wisdom, kindness, and steadfast devotion. His life reflected the teachings of Christ through quiet service, generosity, and compassion for those in need. He found great joy in studying Scripture, being with his family and church community, as well as
sharing his faith with those around him.
He is survived by his wife of forty years, Dolores (Wood-Robinson) Darsch; his children, David Darsch, Susan (Darsch) Tonnesen, Mary Ruth (Darsch) Smith, and Martha (Darsch) Kaloogian; his stepchildren, Linda Robinson, Robert Robinson, and Debbie (Robinson) Daniello; as well as his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, their families, and many others whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Ann (Smith) Darsch.
Don will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, a devoted father, a dedicated teacher, and a man whose legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in all who knew him.
His life stands as a testimony to God’s goodness and grace, and the seeds he planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
