William J. Darah, Sr.

William J. Darah, Sr., a U.S. Army veteran awarded three Bronze Stars in World War II, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 after a short illness at the Toledo home of his daughter, Diana. He was 98. Born June 26, 1918, four months before the end of World War I, Bill lived as full and rich a life as anyone could want or imagine. His great wealth consisted of a vast network of family and friends in which he was the central figure. He was beloved for his warm and kind spirit, his disarming charm, his wonderful smile and wit, and his humble nature. A Toledo native, Bill was the son of Louis and Mary Saba Darah, who immigrated to the U.S. from Latakia, Syria. He lived first in North Toledo and later in the Old West End, where he graduated from Robinson Junior High and attended Scott High School. Still in his teens, he joined his father’s company, Eastern Dry Cleaners at Cherry and Erie streets. Bill was drafted into the Army in 1940. He served in the 1st Armored Division and saw extensive combat duty as a front line medic in the Tunisian and Italian campaigns. He was discharged in 1944 and returned to Toledo, where he became a partner with his brother, Paul, and sisters in Eastern Dry Cleaners, and co-owner with Paul of Superior Overall Laundry. On July 31, 1946, Bill married Rose Shemas, a beautiful union that lasted 66 years until her death in 2012. They raised three children, Diana, William, Jr. and Janice. Eastern Dry Cleaners was sold in 1971. Bill retired from Superior Overall in 1992 upon its sale to Aramark. Age did not slow him down. He continued visiting family and friends, especially those with illnesses, a pastime he relished. He took bus trips to various casinos. He frequented Rudy’s Hot Dog on Sylvania Avenue and chaired a monthly men’s luncheon at Byblos. Just last month, Bill led the group in a Happy Birthday tribute. He adored his children and granddaughters, who recall him breaking out his old Army medical kit and administering to their wounds with a gentle touch. His nephews enjoyed tips from Uncle Bill on how to use a straight razor. The man had a beard so thick Gen. George Patton even commented on it once – “You need a shave, private.” The old fashioned blade, a lifelong habit, was the only cure. Earlier in his life, Bill loved a good cigar and had a collection of 50 pipes. He enjoyed tinkering in his carpentry workshop, target shooting with his pistols, and grilling for his family and friends. He always looked forward to the annual fishing trips with his Darah cousins to Wawa, Ontario. Bill was also the family historian. He had a remarkable recall of names, dates and events, including village of origin for many of his immigrant family members. If Bill met you, he didn’t forget you. And few people who met Bill ever forgot him. His persona was too large. Bill was a lifelong member of St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, where he served as a member and treasurer of the Parish Council. Parishioners will miss seeing Bill walk to the front of the church every Sunday to light a candle in memory of his family, a tradition he carried on for decades. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Paul and Job; and sisters, Wadea Mickel, Sally Mitchell, Julia Farris, Adele David and Gloria Ziton. Surviving are his son, William [Amira] Darah, Jr.; daughters, Diana Cooper and Janice [Jeffrey Managhan] Darah; and granddaughters, Natalie and Alyssa Darah. Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 from 3-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., where a Trisagion prayer service will be held at 7. Visitation also will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at St. Elias, 4940 Harroun Rd., Sylvania where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with V. Rev. Archpriest Ayman Kfouf officiating. Burial will be at Toledo Memorial Park. The family asks that contributions be to the St. Elias Church Endowment Fund or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Many thanks to Vicki’s Home Care, especially Diane Johnson and Lorie Harris, for 15 years of wonderful care for Bill and Rose, and Dr. Mark Fine, Bill’s long-time primary care physician. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.