Dr. William (Bill) J. Darrington D.D.S., 87, passed away on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1932 to James and Justine Darrington, he attended both Cretin Catholic High School and the University of Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1956, and soon after was married to Julia Field. Bill served as a dentist in the United States Air Force, was stationed in Japan, and later assigned to Luke Air Force Base. After leaving the military Bill settled in Phoenix, opened a dental practice in the West Valley, and raised 5 children. A devout Catholic, Bill was a Eucharist Minister at Most Holy Trinity and later a parishioner at St. Francis Xavier. Soon after retiring from dentistry in 1996 he lost his first wife Julia in 1999, but found his second love in Sue Schmitzer, they were married in December of 2000. Throughout his life Bill’s passions included both his wonderful wives, the raising and showing of paint horses, historical fiction novels, the restoration of classic T-birds, travel, golf, Arizona sports, politics, his 20 grandchildren, and his 8 great grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Sue, his sister Mary Lou, his five children and their spouses Thomas (Ann), Diane (Roger Elsey), Mary (Chris Carson), James (Leslie) and Glenn (Sandy Trant) and Sue’s four sons Michael, Patrick (Laura), Daniel (Randy) and Todd(Paige).
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, with a reception following. Entombment will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Anne Welz
Oh Mary I’m so deeply sorry for you and your entire family.
You are in my heart and prayers
Brian and Geryl Winterowd
Sue and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man, we throughly enjoyed his company. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Brian and Geryl
Rex Brewster
Dear Sue,
My heart-felt sympathy to you and your family. What a blessing faith and family are at this time. God’s Blessings!
Rex Brewster
Ken West
The world has lost a true gentleman that I was proud to call: “My Friend”.
We turned a working relationship in the mid 80’s into a respect for each other and did it all while playing with cars, one of Bill’s cheriest hobbies. In later years we would work in his garage and always had fun together. I was so happy to help him repair his beloved 55 T-Bird just last month.
Bill will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. RIP, my friend, till we meet again.
John Hayes
Sue I am sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed him playing golf and his skill in Dentistry
The Gothic Environmental Family
Our deepest condolences to Glenn and his family during this difficult time. We are truly sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Alison Pruett
Glenn and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Haywood
Tom, I’m very sorry to hear or your father’s passing. I wish for you, Ann and the rest of your family the comfort that you can find in the precious memories that will live in your hearts.
Nancy McLaughlin
Dear Sue and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We’re so glad Bill was part of our family for the last 20 years- we always appreciated his kindness and sense of humor!
Love,
Nancy and John
Eileen Wynkoop
So sorry for your loss Glenn. Hope your family’s sorrow will be uplifted with memories of your loved one.