Richard J. Darley, former Rehoboth commissioner

Richard James Darley, 87, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at Brandywine Assisted Living, Rehoboth Beach. He was born Aug. 25, 1923, in Washington, D.C., son of the late James M. and Beatrice (Griffin) Darley.

Mr. Darley served in the Air Force as a navigator and then worked for 35 years at the National Geographic Society retiring as chief cartographer.  After retirement, he moved from Bethesda, Md. to Rehoboth Beach in 1986.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.  Mr. Darley also served as a commissioner of Rehoboth Beach for eight years.  He enjoyed reading, studying history and doing crossword puzzles in ink.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Darley was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Estelle Hostettler Darley; and his oldest daughter Donna Darley who passed away in 1970.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Hubbard, of Lancaster, Pa.; his son, Jim Darley of Lewes; daughters, Susan Darley of Kansas City, Mo., Mary Darley of Pittsboro, N.C., Patricia Caywood and her husband Daniel of Woodsboro, Md., and Judith Anne Mach and her husband Stefan of Thurmont, Md.  Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.  He is also survived by his best friend, Joyce Sutton of Rehoboth Beach.

Interment will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Lewes.