Obituary of Dennis H. Darabos, Sr.

Darabos, Dennis H. Sr.

St. Charles, Michigan

Our steadfast and devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Covenant Hospital- Harrison. He was 74 years old. 

Dennis was the son of Catherine (Decker) Stevenson and Joseph Jacob Darabos. He was born in Saginaw, Michigan on June 2, 1950. He grew up in St. Charles, Michigan with his mother, stepfather, and seven siblings.

As a child, Dennis vacillated between making mischief and bearing the role of protector and caregiver for his brothers and sisters. He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1968 and went on to enroll at Delta College where he earned an Associate’s Degree. As a young adult, Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting cars. He was a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

In 1973, he met and married Diane Marie Chinnery, and they would go on to share nearly fifty one remarkable years. Together, they raised their family in St. Charles, in a home they built, side by side. 

Dennis became a carpenter’s apprentice and joined the The United Brotherhood Of Carpenters and Joiners Of America, Local 0706. His career spanned 30+ years. He was a construction superintendent and was universally respected and admired for his leadership, expertise, and work ethic. He was a builder, and a true artisan. He believed that the treasure in his craft were the monuments he would proudly leave behind- long after he was gone. He retired from Pumford & Sons Construction, in 2003. 

Throughout his life, Dennis met triumph with humility and hardship with a strong faith. He demonstrated innovation and creativity every time he needed to provide a little extra for his family. Somewhere today, a family is gathering in their backyard, at a picnic table he built and sold on Graham Road, to make ends meet.

Dennis was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in St. Charles. He answered the call to teach catechism. A self-taught guitar player, he lent his gift and extraordinary voice to the church’s music program.

In his retired years, Dennis savored long weekends camping with Diane. He loved watching his grandkids compete in sports, traveling to places like Alaska and Hawaii, and visiting his son’s family in California. In 2023, on one of their final trips out west, they visited Las Vegas where he surprised Diane with a planned vow renewal for their 50th anniversary.

Through seven decades, he never lost his humor or that special laugh that crinkled his eyes tight. He stayed a puller of pranks and an amused pot-stirrer until the end. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Diane M. Darabos; children: Amy M. (Darabos) Curry, Dennis Jr. (Shannon) Darabos and Michael (Su) Darabos; grandchildren: Brianna and Ian Seybold, Quinn and Kennedy Darabos, Elliot, Graham, and Ryder Darabos; siblings, Cathy (John) Kahl, Joe “Butch” Darabos, Barb Stevenson, Janice Stevenson-Smith, and Dewey (Sandy) Stevenson; sister-in-law, Victoria Darabos; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his grandson, Dylan M. Seybold; his son-in-law, Eljon Curry; mother, Catherine Stevenson; father, Joseph Darabos; stepfather, Harry Stevenson; brother, Raymond Darabos Sr.; sisters, Donna Borchard and Susan Warner; also, several step-siblings.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) Saginaw, Michigan. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate with a committal service to follow at St. Andrew Cemetery.

MEMORIALS: For those wishing to honor Dennis’s memory, they may consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation or offering a prayer that the Detroit Lions win the Super Bowl this year. 

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Darabos family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com