Obituary of Wayne E. Darling

ILION – Mr. Wayne E. Darling, age 77, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2021. He was born to the late Ward and Elizabeth (Fitzer) Darling on October 18, 1943. He attended Ilion schools and graduated from Ilion High School with the Class of 1961. In 1963 he enlisted with the United States Air Force, serving on several bases both within the U.S. and abroad. He retired from the military in 1983 after attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon his return to Ilion, Wayne cared for both his mother and sister, Carol Ann, until their deaths. A confirmed bachelor, he moved to London Towers in 2004 and enjoyed the friendships of many residents who resided there. He was a frequent customer of Stewarts in Ilion. Wayne was a life member of the Ilion Elks Club, volunteering there for many years behind the scenes in the kitchen for many events. He was Elk of the Year in 1991. He was also a longtime volunteer at the Herkimer ARC, attending to his sister, Carol, and remained a volunteer even after her passing. He was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2002 for his help with the bowling and the chorus. He also supported many veterans’ organizations and other charitable causes. He was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by his first cousins, Jack (Lynn) Fitzer, Jim (Joann) Fitzer and Mary (Steve) Morse, and their children and grandchildren. Wayne will be missed at family holiday dinners. In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, a private service will take place at the convenience of his family and final burial will take place in the family plot at Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions the Herkimer County Humane Society, PO Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. The family has entrusted Wayne’s final arrangements to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.