Emil John Darah

Emil John Darah, 90, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 15, 2016, at Kingston Care Center in Sylvania, OH. Emil was born May 28, 1926, to Helen and George Darah in Toledo. Emil was a 1945 graduate of Woodward High School. Upon graduation from Woodward, he was drafted into the US Army. He was seven days at sea in the Pacific Theater when WWII ended, but he continued his service as a staff sergeant in the Philippines until 1946, earning Good Conduct and Victory Medals. Following his honorable discharge from the army, Emil attended the University of Toledo. He was a member of Kappa Chi Fraternity through which he developed friendships that continued until his final days. Emil spent his entire career with Superior Overall. He began as a driver when he returned from the service. Over the years he worked his way up through various positions, concluding his career as sales manager. His affable personality contributed to his success in business. Since his childhood, Emil was a member of St. Elias Orthodox Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. He married Vivian (Skaff) Darah, the love of his life, in 1950, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage until her death in 2011. They raised a daughter and three sons. Together, they enjoyed their church, trips to Hawaii and Florida, extended family, and many friends. Their home was inviting, and they were most delighted when their children and 10 grandchildren stopped by for frequent visits. Emil liked cars, his annual Canadian fishing trips, and sitting out on the driveway with a good cigar. He was meticulously ethical, hard-working, and devoted to his family. His infectious smile and jolly demeanor were well-known, even in his final years. Emil was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vivian, daughter Jacalyn, and brother Nicholas. He is survived by sons Mark (Dolli), Scott (Linda), and Gregg Darah; grandchildren Michael (Meghan), Matthew, Adrienne, Ryan, Victoria, Kristen, Kelley, Grace, Andrew, and William Darah; sister Louise Pospisil; brother-in-law Raymond (Sherry) Skaff; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors Wednesday, October 19, from 3-8 PM at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) with Trisagion prayers at 7 PM. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 20 at 11 AM at St. Elias Orthodox Church, 4940 Harroun Road, Sylvania. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elias Church, Hospice of NW Ohio, or the charity of the donor’s choice. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Kingston and Hospice of NW Ohio for their care and service to Emil.