Darin James McMahon, dedicated father, businessman

Darin James McMahon, 51, of Milton, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday Nov. 9, 2023.   

Darin was born Oct. 4, 1972, in Cape May Courthouse, N.J., son of Patricia Feeney and the late John W. McMahon. He resided in Hawley, Pa., for his teen and early adult years before finally establishing his roots in lower Delaware. Darin was a graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School, held a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Wilmington University.

Darin was proud, humble, smart, resourceful, brave, and loyal. His goofy and sarcastic sense of humor kept everyone around him laughing. First and foremost, he loved his family and was a dedicated father; he was also a successful businessman, an entrepreneur, a leader and a teacher.  

As a devoted father, Darin extended his appreciation for life and his love for the outdoors to his family. An avid skateboarder, skier, snowboarder, boater and firearms enthusiast, Darin’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his friends and family doing things that he loved. Darin loved to grill, boating with family, lunch dates with friends, ski trips in Pennsylvania, and guys’ weekends in Dewey. His most special times were playing street hockey in the driveway with Cohen, and building Legos with Sage.  

Darin was a leader in the local business community and in the pest control industry. He was the co-founder, CEO and president of Activ Pest Solutions in Lewes. Prior to being injured, it was Darin who laid the foundation for Activ’s success. Additionally, as an adjunct professor for Wilmington University, Darin spent many weekends with students passing on his business expertise. Darin had a brilliant mind, and throughout his life Darin never stopped reading or teaching business and leadership.  

In September of 2019, Darin was the victim of a tragic incident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Darin beat all odds to come home so he could be with his children, Sage and Cohen, and afterwards fought and lived every day to stay strong for them and to soak up every minute with them that he could. His mission, post injury, was to ensure that Sage and Cohen’s future was secure and that his memory will live on through his children. Through the love and support of his loyal friends, family and amazing caregivers, Darin was able to make the most of his time here with his children.  

Darin was preceded in death by his father, John W. McMahon, and his step-sister, Rebecca Feeney.  

Darin is survived by his beloved daughter, Sage McKenzie McMahon; his cherished son, Cohen River McMahon; his partner of 13 years, Tiffany McMahon; his mother, Patricia Feeney and her husband Steve; his step-mother, Ruth McMahon; his sister, Olivia Robb; his sister, Niki Feeney; his brother, Sean McMahon and his wife Kathy; as well as many nieces and nephews. Darin also maintained strong friendships with Angela McBroom, Ted Dabbs, Brian Hill, AJ Arfanella, Tommy Engel, Tiffanie Araya and Ed Hull. Darin will be greatly missed by all.    

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 29, at The Crossing, 15183 Coastal Hwy., Milton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to honor Darin be made to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Attn: Development, 1513 Race St., Philadelphia, PA  19102, mageerehab.jeffersonhealth.org/get-involved/fundraising-events; or The Crossing, P.O. Box 95, Milton, DE  19968.