FRANKLIN/MEDWAY: Daniel Darst

Daniel Darst Obituary

Survived by beloved wife, Amy, of Franklin, MA; daughter Nicola Ann Amell (Craig) and grandsons Dylan Shawn and Tyler Daniel of Glastonbury, CT; son Grant Daniel Darst and fiancée Olivia van der Meer of Medway, MA; and these Omahans: mother, Nancy Darst; brother Dr. Donald J. (Janet) Darst; and sisters Robin (Ernie) Hanus and Susan (David) Williams. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Danny was everything to his family, and a hero in many ways. He was an avid golfer, a drummer, a strong Christian, and a caring son, brother, husband, father, uncle and "PaPa." He had two sides: intelligent and serious when it was called for, and hilarious and charming in his leisure time with family and friends.

The native Omahan was an outstanding student and exemplary finance professional who was renowned among his friends for being rapid-fire witty and a great impressionist a la Steve Martin and Robin Williams. During his battle with lymphoma and melanoma, he was working on a book with a humorous approach: "Finding Chemo."

Before he graduated from Westside High School, Danny's leadership was apparent as he served as a student member of the District 66 Board of Education. He also graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was affiliated with Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

Danny and Amy first lived in Trabuco Canyon, CA, and then Medway, MA. His finance, accounting and business career took him from Las Vegas to Los Angeles to Boston. Upon retirement, the Darsts settled in Franklin, MA, and enjoyed time with their children and grandsons. Throughout his life, Danny's "happy place" was in a boat on a wilderness lake in northern Minnesota, fishing, stargazing and laughing with his family.

Danny took on an inspirational part-time job in retirement as the driver of a schoolbus with special-needs children. He was so beloved and appreciated by the children and their parents that the school district gave him an award for outstanding service.

A private memorial service is planned in Medway.

Memorials may be sent to Morning Star Lutheran Church, 331 S. 85th Ave., Omaha, NE 68114. Please write "Danny Darst Sunday School Fund" on the envelope.

Personal notes and remembrances may be sent to the church, to be forwarded to the family.