Daryl G. Townsend

Daryl G. Townsend, 72, of Butler passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at The Seasons of Saxonburg personal care home after a long and difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born August 29, 1952 in Butler, PA, he was the son of George Orra Townsend and Marian Hempker Townsend. 

Daryl was first and foremost a generous man. Everyone who knew him described him as someone who showed up for people and lent a hand wherever it was needed. He was kind, smart, and capable, with an incredible gift for working with his hands and an ability to build or fix anything he set his mind to. He was also a jokester, searching for humor and mischief in every situation and trying to get a smile or a laugh out of those around him.

Daryl worked as a field engineer in the computing and scanning industry for 40 years, which took him on travels all over the world.

A man of eclectic interests and hobbies, Daryl gravitated toward anything with movement, adventure, and craftsmanship. He especially loved woodworking, roller coasters, sports cars, Indy racing, golf, baking, and watching Pittsburgh sports. In his younger years, he was an avid runner with a love of track and field. Most of all, Daryl had a passion for archery and rifle hunting and was happiest when he was trekking through the woods with his brother and friends at their hunting camp in Elk County.

Daryl was a dedicated father and never failed to cheer on his children - whether by attending their sports games when they were kids or supporting their careers as adults. He looked forward to savoring the menus at every restaurant where his son worked, and proudly listened to the stories of his daughter’s international work and travels (even when it stressed him out).

His marriage with Debbie was a cornerstone of his life, and they supported each other through to the end. Daryl worked hard to build the life that they envisioned together and made sure that his love spoke through his actions every day. Debbie did the same for him and saw him through every stage of his illness.  

Daryl is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah Vandame Townsend of Butler, PA; his two children, Elliott Townsend and Dana Townsend, both of Pittsburgh, PA; his brother Larry (Mary Ann) Townsend of Sarver, PA; and his three sisters, Emily Siegert of Elyria, Ohio, Janet (Dan) Kremin of Malvern, PA, and Alidra (Ron) Walker of Penrose, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Hank Townsend, and his brother-in-law Cliff Siegert. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Fox Funeral Home, Inc. in Saxonburg from 10:00-11:00 am. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Carmen Shullo, Sr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, all donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research <https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/>.

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