Richard Morse Darling, M.D.

Richard Morse Darling, M.D.

BALDWINSVILLE --- Richard Morse Darling, M.D., 92, of McHarrie Pointe, Baldwinsville, NY, formerly of North Chili, NY, passed away peacefully August 2, 2023 after a brief illness.

Richard was the youngest of three sons born to Eugene David and Sarah Grace Morse Darling on May 5, 1931 in Norwich, NY. Richard was a 1949 graduate of Norwich High School where he excelled in academics and sports, particularly tennis. He was proud to be a member of the tennis team during his junior year where he led the Norwich Purple Tornadoes in an undefeated season and later was inducted into the NHS Sports Hall of Fame (2018).

He developed an interest in medicine from his mother, a nurse, who provided short and long-term care in their home in Norwich. He attended Roberts Wesleyan College and then transferred to Alfred State College graduating in 1953. While at Roberts he met the love of his life, Lila Jean Robson, of Eldred, PA. They married on June 12, 1954.  

Upon graduation from Albany (NY) Medical College in (1957)he joined the US Air Force (1957-63) and began his residency at Wilford Hall, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX and then as Captain and Chief of Pediatrics at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois. Five sons blessed their marriage.  In 1964 the family relocated to the Rochester area where Richard joined Westside Pediatric Group serving families in the community until his retirement in 1998.   

He was on the teaching staff at Strong Memorial Hospital and was a longtime member of the Monroe County Medical Society.

Richard was an avid tennis player, Civil War enthusiast, fly fisherman, enjoyed hunting, wood carving, building fine furniture, painting, storytelling, traveling and listening to classical music. Richard made many friends along life’s way and was the most loving and dedicated husband, father, uncle and grandfather.  While he had many interests and hobbies, above all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He took great joy in being part of their lives.  He was a man of deep faith and leaves a legacy of service, dedication, compassion, and humility. 

Richard is predeceased by his parents and siblings: Clifford Eugene and Louis LaMott Darling; his beloved wife of 63 years, Lila Jean Robson Darling, infant son Robert Eugene Darling; sister in law Leah Sylvia Darling; brothers in law John Robson and Earl Robson.

Richard is survived by and will be missed more than words can fully express by his four sons and their families: James LaMott (Carolann; Amanda Riddick (Hunter), DeAnna Brennan (Michael); Edward Morse (Donna; Jamie Swyers (Brenton), Danielle Hibbert (Ben), Lydia (Kaleigh); Thomas Noel (Miki; Paul and Alexis) and  William Jon (Beth; Caleb, Sam, Isabella and Ezra). Great Grandchildren: Micah and Mila Swyers; Iris, Kai, and Kole Hibbert and by many cherished nieces and nephews from the Darling and Robson families.

Funeral services will be held at the Eldred United Methodist Church, Eldred, PA. The family will receive friends at noon prior to the service at 2:00pm on August 9, 2023. Interment at Lamphier Cemetery, immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in his memory to the Roberts Fund (https://www.roberts.edu/give/make-a-gift/)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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