Darryl Stingley Obituary

so sad for a great player like Darryl Stingley to inevitably to have his life shortened the way it happened.. so sorry for his family May God bless his family and give them the comfort and peace they need after losing a father and husband from giving his all to the sport of football. my heart goes out to the Stingley family..

I miss my brother rest in peace my brother you will be missed from your sister sibyl stingley

A beautiful butterfly now free of it's binding cocoon.

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Will for ever miss you , you are a blessed soul.

On this anniversary of Darryl's death, I am just learning about him. He showed so much courage after his accident and helped so many others. I trust that his family is well and realize what a fantastic individual he was. Rest in Paradise Darryl.

I was just at work mentioning a game I will never forget when Darryl was injured. I was shocked to see he had passed. All these years and his name stuck with me, I remembered his courage afterwards.Late but my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

He is an inspiration and an excellent example of how to overcome adversity and challenges. May your family find comfort from the loss of a dear one.

To the Stingley Family,
I remember the late Howard Cosell interviewing Darryl about 2-3 years after his accident and Darryl telling Howard that "I AM SORRY THAT IT TOOK THIS TO GET ME CLOSER TO GOD." I cannot tell you how Darryl's courage touched me and I have used his life story in so many Bible Studies, sermons, and other opportunities. His was a life of courage and determination and he lived out the Christian walk in the way it should have been. There should have been a movie made about his life and what he accomplished after his paralyzing hit. I wish I could have done this when he was alive. But I thought you all should know how his life touched me. My name is Dante Marola and I am glad for this opportunity. Thank you and God Bless.

My spirit and soul has been uplifted by your inspirational story. You are still blessing us today!

Stingley family, i am sending my regard to the lost of your loved one. Sandra i remember how you loved your cousin. I am an old high school friend of yours, SQUEAK remeber me. Yulanda Farlow from Chicago if you want to stay in contact I am at Freddy Louis on face book. Again my thought go out to you and youur family

To the whole family of Darryl Stingley,
I was so sorry to just recently hear of Darryl's passing. I was a classmate of both Andrea and Wayne, and met Darryl a couple of times at football games at EIU. I was thrilled for him when he went pro and always cheered for the Patriots when he played. Then there was that tragic day I heard of his accident on the radio. He has been in my prayers over the years. He was an excellent example to young athletes. May he rest in peace and may our Lord continue to be with his whole family. He left you many happy memories, I'm sure.
Sincerely,

To The Family Of Darryl Stingley,
I am sorry death had to take Darryl so soon it is my hope that the family can find comfort in knowing that Jehovah will removed death, and sickness forever.
I didn't know Darryl Personally but I did want the family to know they are in my prayers and someone in the chicago land area are thinking about them and sending alot of hugs there way.

Watching Darryl catch a football as a young boy, was a true blessing. I remember how heart-breaking and perplexing it was to discover that Darryl was paralyzed. But I remember like it was yesterday when Darryl appeared on national T.V., as I was feeling so sorry for him, he was filled with joy becasue of his faith in Jesus Christ. I couldn't understand how he had so much joy after such a tragedy?? Darryl now I understand that joy. You were an amazing example of true faith. See you there!
Your fan.

I'm darryl baby sister i will miss him i love rest in peace my brother you are truelly will be miss you are in god house now

R.I.P my brother you in god hands may god bless your family.PEACE!

I am deeply saddened to hear about Mr Darryl stingley's passing. May god bless him and his family
peace and love always to his family

Darryl,

I just want to say that I thank you and Martine for your kindness when I attended Tennessee State University. I thank you for calling me your God Daughter. You saved me from some real hard times. Thanks for your love. I have the letter you sent to me in college and I will never part from it all my living days. Love Candace

You were a Mentor, a Teacher, a Hero, to so many, now I hope we can all go forward and carry your legacy with the dignity and courage you displayed your whole life. Thank you Teacher so much. Love Gee.

Dear Darryl, Though you never knew the many fans you HAVE, you were in our hearts and prayers. I watched on many sundays when you would miraculously pull a badly thrown ball from the sky and make something of nothing. As great as these things were, your greatest gift to me, was your courage to succeed after your life changed. Your strength to continue to fight, and grow made me understand that adversity is just another opponent in an un-numbered jersey. Darryl, you are and will always be my favorite New England Patriot, and in my heart you will be missed. God Speed and may the fields of Heaven contain hash marks, mid field, and end zones to score in. Darryl, thank you for the sacrifice you and your family made each season you played football.
May your family find peace and may God hold them tight. All my love.
Your unknown fan and friend.

I loved watching Darryl play. He put all he had into the game. I saw the game. It reminded me of another sports tragedy.. Tony Conigliaro. Darryl, you showed people how to handle life's challenges with courage, with hope and with faith. You were an inspiration throughout your short life.

I just found out about Darryl's passing a week ago today and I am devestated. I never met Darryl in person but I talked to him over the phone long distance after my friend was paralyzed in a high school football game. For the few times that I talked to Darryl he was nothing helpful and sincere to me. He didn't even know me but offered me helpful advice about what my friend was possibly going through. Darryl you will be missed.

Darryl was my uncle, my dad's brother. I love my uncle dearly and he will truly be missed. I saw him 3 days before his death and he was a very happy man. I'm glad I had the opportunity to spends time with him before his passing so I can remember his last words he spoke to me, "See You Later Sweetie". My uncle will be truly missed. R.I.P.

Darryl is a true hero and inspiration, rest in peace.

A class act.. rest in peace Darryl Stingley.

I want to offer my condolences to the Stingley family. I have been reading about this great man all over the internet and he was indeed a GREAT man. There aren't many people like him around. God gave the world a great and wonderful gift when he created your son, husband, father, brother, friend.
God bless!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Stingley family. Darryl was a mentor to me and he gave me nothing but good advise. I am greatful to have known such a special person. Darryl you are missed very much.

That is very sad that he passed away. i wish he didn't.

To The Stingley Family:

We the Baker Family sends our deepest sympathy to your family. Darryl and my husband were friends, we were in New England for a while. Keep looking up because all youur help will come from above. May God bless you and keep you is our prayer.

Dear Stingley family,

I remember meeting Darryl when I was 14 years old at a charity basket ball game he played in. The event took place on the campus of Providence College in Rhode Island. It was the Patriots vs the New York Giants. I remember meeting my favorite New England Patriots player and telling my friends how he took time out to sign a team photo.

God Bless You Darryl.

I was a little kid, maybe 8 years old, when I met Darryl in 1975 or 76. One of my best friends at the time was Charlie Sumner's (Pat's Def Coordinator, I believe) kid, Colin. He invited me to a Saturday pre-game walk-through at Schaeffer Stadium (later Sullivan Stadium, Foxboro Stadium). It was awe inspiring to be around the players on the field. However, only two players paid any attention to me, big number 50, Sam Hunt, and Darryl Stingley. Sam just wanted to chase me around trying to tackle me, but Darryl stopped to talk to me, played a little catch, teaching me how to hold my hands when receiving a football. From that day forward, my favorite player was Darryl, and there was no second place.

I don't need to go into how devastating his injury was to me as a fan, because he remained a hero in his post-playing days.

I will always remember your kindness, Darryl. Thank you.

Dear Tina and family,

I'm so sorry on your loss. I NEVER FORGOT Darryl or you, I was in Eden ICU right across from Darryl. I almost died, then woke up the next day to find Darryl fighting for his life across from me.

I never forgot.

I was inspired and followed his life throughout the years. Always hoping for the best for him and for your family. My mom, Barbara, and you became friends because you were both at the hospital a lot, I went in September 15, 1978.

There's so much I want to say... I can't tell you how much of an impact Darryl had on me at that horrible point in my life. I was 17 and never forgot, I'm 45 now and I was just devistated to hear the news. I'll always thank him in my heart for what he taught me.... to be happy to be alive!!! Gina

I was fortunate to have plyed on the same team with Wayne at EIU. That was where I met Darryl as a young boy. Darryl grew to be an oustanding person. Amodel for all of us. God bless Darryl.

Usually when a person experiences success they become the target of jealousy and negative comments. I've never heard anyone: student,teacher,administrator, coach, athlete, etc. offer anything other then admiration for Darryl. Even after a devastating injury he courageously continued to be an activist and role model. Certainly the entire Marshall community is proud of Darryl. (faculty '59-'93)

Having met Darryl and his lovely wife at the Patriots,1776 Club dinner after the draft,along with a group of the best player draft the Patriots ever had.Spending the evening talking with him,it wasn't long for one to figure out the type of person he was!Proud of his wife and family,joyful for being drafted by the Patriots and thanking god for the gift he had been given in life.Some of todays atheletes can take a look at his life and what he represented!Hard work,love of one's family and religion, above all,his final fight in life in which he so profoundly committed himself to life in a wheelchair,with no regrets.Love for his god&family.
Nobody will ever know the pain he went thru at such a young age,with his future in front of him,but Darryl,true to life showed us what dignity really is!
Deepest regrets to his family!He will always be with you!
JW Doyle
Season ticket holder since 1960

I wish the family of Darryl and (Wayne) Stingley all the blessings in the world and my deepest sympathy. I was once coached by Wayne Stingley, who spoke of his brother often and the inspiration of both men have left a incredible, inspiring, indelible mark on my life. I thank you both for the wonderful lessons. May God Keep you and hold you, and all of yours...Daric'e T. Washington b.k.a "Butter" (CVS-1979-1981)

Darryl,

The day you were injured and your career ended abruptly the Patriots nation was never the same. You were an inspiration and an example of all that was good. All of your fans loved you and never forgot you. God's speed Darryl. Richie

I'm grew up a fan of Darryl Stingley and the Patriots all the way from Gainesville, Fl. I first saw him play in 1977, I was in the 7th grade and wanted to be just like him. He was and will always be my hero for what he did on and off the field. Our Little league numbers did'nt go over 50, but once I got to High school I wore his number as a tribute to him. He was an inspiration, and will truly be missed. I wish the family great strentgh during this time.

Darryl Stingley lived his life with grace. God Bless him, his wife and his family.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Darryl Stingley since 1990. He was one of the best men that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was very thoughtful and never selfish. I will miss him greatly. Paula Wright Ubebe

I have had the great pleasure of knowing Darryl for over 20 years. He was also the Godfather of my daughter Ashlee Jordan (sister of Michael Jordan). We spent alot of time together doing the 80's and 90's at the Chicago Stadium, before the United Center. Darryl was my source of strength when I was going through the days of story seeking media. He was a very wise and peaceful man. He had a certain type of calmness and sincere kindness about himself. Some of the most enjoyable times of my life was spent talking, laughing and enjoying sporting event with him. My daughter and I will miss him deeply.

Mr. Darryl Stingley was a class act, whenever i was blessed to come in his presence he always had a smile on his face. May ALLAH(GOD)be pleased w/his works, may ALLAH bless your family. We will always love and remember you.

Darryl, I need your courage.

My children are relatives of Mr. Stingley's although they never had the chance to meet him. We would like to express our sympathy to his wife and children. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I grew up in the same community with Darryl Stingley,He have been a role model and a hero for me.He inspired me to work hard on the court and off the court.Darryl ,treated people the way he wanted to be treated.I was at the game when Darryl suffered the injury.He left me tickets to see him play. I went to the hospital to visit him. This was one of the saddest moments in my life to see him.Darryl never blamed anyone.Thanks Darryl for being a part of my life. Bless you and your family.R.I.P.
Sonny Parker

I was at the Raider game where Darryl was injured. My heart sank and I was devastated to hear of his paralysis. May Darryl rest in peace and my deepest sympathies to his family.

The early 70's were my formative years as a kid and as Patriots fan and I'll never forget Darryl Stingley. I recall that somebody responded to news of his first round pick by saying, "That's great! What's a Stingley?" Darryl showed us who he was then and forever after.

God bless the family and my prayers are with you all. i remember darryl, he was the man and still is.., i played frosh-soph football for Marshall, class of 70

God bless the family of this courageous man who braved life daily to show what genuine strength truly was. His legacy as a football player is strong, but his legacy of humanity is stronger. Rest easy in the arms of your angels Darryl. You deserve to fly once again.

My name is Joey Madden and I played with your son Derek in the Phillies Organzation. He always spoke of you in the highest regard. I know that you are in a better place now looking over Derek and the rest of your family.
God Bless

I was at that particular game when Darryl Stingley took that vicious hit. He was completely motionless and I was very, very concerned about whether or not he would ever get up from that hit. Well, Darryl Stingley not only got up from that hit, but he showed America what true courage and faith is all about. He was, and is, a credit to his family and to his country. Darryl, God bless you always.

As a teenager growing up in Mass and being a Patriots fan you never forgot about Darrly Stingley. All the attributes he displayed on the field; hard work, dedication and inner strength he carried on into his everyday life. A man with such strong character will alwasy be remembered...God Bless.

To the Stingley family,
Darryl will always be remembered here in Massachusetts. He was a great and heroic person. May he rest in peace and play football again in heaven.

I am deeply sadden by the death of your family member Darryl Stingley. He will never be forgotten by us. God Rest His Soul.

To John and the Stingley family......i never met your father but have vivid memories of watching him play. Seeing him at the Bulls games with his van, always motivated and reminded me of the courage and will to push on and continue in this crazy game we call LIFE. My sincere condolences and God Bless.

You know sometimes we wonder why tragic events unfold as they do. The question is often asked, does God make mistakes. The answer is no, God don't make any mistakes. Brother Stingly served as a symbol of inspiration and hope, to all who knew his plight, to all who knew him and those that knew of him. Brother Stingly was a strong black man who exibited the character of a God loving, God fearing man who knew God. Darryl finally figured out that if Jesus could stay on the cross to suffer, bleed and die, he knew he had to do the same and so Darryl bared his on cross. To be absent from the human body is to be with Jesus.
May the power of Christ Jesus rest his soul in eternal life of peace, Amen.

As a young teenager growing up in Gloucester you were an inspiration. Thank you for all the memories, the yards after the catch & the touch downs. May you touch those in Heaven as you touched those here on earth. Rest in Peace Darryl.

My heart goes out to you all. I don't know you all but I love you and wish you all the best. He sounds like a good person.

To my family, Even though I was unable to attend the services, my Prayers that God give you strengh during this time and always. Love Sandra Guillebeaux-Woodfy and Family. Modesto, California

God Bless you for all eternity my old friend

No one in Boston ever forgot Darryl Stingley and never will. Much sympathy to the family.

To the Stingley Family:
May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort you during your time of loss. My prayers are with you.

Having served at Marshall High School in various capacities for some 30 years, I know that Darryl Stingley was a mentor to both students and faculty. My sympathy to his family.

Darryl,Rest in Peace,you are in a better world now.

Darryl was a man among men and never compromised his commitment to virtue. He is a loss to our soceity. May he rest in peace. And, by the way, God is getting a great receiver. He'll probably catch a 1000 passes. It was an honor to have him at the Mackey Awards Dinners.

To The Family: God will give you strength to get through this as Darryl gave us strength and inspiration to stand tall, keep going and have Faith for better times.

I love you and will miss you so much. Thanks for many great memories. Rest and sleep well, Darryl. Love, Cinnamon

I hope it helps in some small way to know that someone cares, and I hope you will draw comfort knowing you're in so many prayers.

Dear Family,
Darryl stood tall. He will always be remembered for his contributions to the game, but even more so for his contributions after the game. Beloveds, be comforted knowing he is okay now, for sure. Grace be unto you.

MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT,
COMFORT YOU.

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

DEAR STINGLEY FAMILY,
WE JUST WANTED TO SEND TO YOU OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. OUR HEARTS GOES OUT TO YOU ALL.

God be with all of you at this hard time. May he live on in all of us.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Life on earth is not the end for Darryl Stingley.Jesus have a better place waiting for him. May God keep your faith strong.

Dear Stingley Family,
I am truly sorry about your lost. Darryl will be missed dearly. Though we graduated from rival High Schools. I have always carried the greatest respect and admiration for Darryl and his family. Bless and keep you all.
Crane High School alum 1969.

How blest are they who trust in Christ when we and those we love must part; we yield them up, for go they must, but do not lose them from your heart. Remember, earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.May God bless and comfort you all.

To the Stingley family;
Darryl will be missed. He was a man with much courage and love for life! May God bless you and keep you.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. My prayers are with you.

Eric Bowie, Sr. Hammond Bayou Thunder

A pillar of courage is what you became...I knew you before you became nationally famous. I cheered for you on the basketball court and at football games. I know that you played baseball and ran track. A "four letter man" is what it was called back then. We all knew you would become famous one day and were so proud because you were a "Marshall Commando". I was a Varsity cheerleader and Martine was there, also. We ran into each other a few times over the years, and it was great to see and talk to you with that great smile on your face. Be at rest Darryl, we'll miss you. HE'S A MAN HE'S A MAN, HE'S A MARSHALL MAN!-HE'S A MAN HE'S A MAN, HE'S A MARSHALL MAN! From Janis(Silverman)Jackson Varsity cheerleader class of 1968 John Marshall High School

May God bless the Stingley Family.I had the honor of meeting Darryl many years ago at a Bulls game.He was a man of class.He also was and remains a hero to many others.My nephew Rocky Clark was brought down by a football injury and Darryl was there to give him incredible support that our family will never forget.
Thanks Darryl. God Bless.
DW Clark

Tina,

All the great memories and times we shared will live on forever in spirit. Darryl's enthusiastic attitude was an energizing one. Keeping the faith was always in his thoughts even when we were young men. Rest in peace my old friend.

STINGLEY FAMILY: MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL

Rest in Peace Mr.Stingley and may God Bless your Soul.

To the Stingley Family:

Growing up and into my teens, I would sit in the old Knickerbocker Arena on hot, Summer Saturdays and watch Derek Stingley, Darryl's son, play arena football for the great Albany Firebirds. I once praised a play by Stingley and a man next to me turned to me and said: "You should have seen his father play!"

With that said, I'd like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Stingley family, on behalf of the true Firebirds fans from NY's Capital Region.

Rest In Peace, Darryl. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

The longest standing ovation I have ever witnessed happened when Darryl came back to Foxboro Stadium after his injury for a Monday Night game. The ovation was so long they had to delay the start of the second half (which I have never seen the NFL do before). It was phenomenal and Darryl deserved it. Rest in peace.

my brother myles and me talk about you some time we are very sorry for his passing

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Stingley family, a long time ago we met at the Bulls game and I will never forget the look on Darryl's face as I placed that championship ring on his finger. He was a true inspiration to me in many ways. Throughout the years I have never forgotten him and now rejoice just by knowing that he is with his Lord & Savior. God Bless you all as you mourn his passing and celebrate his life.

I love you Darryl you are my boy this is Caleb real good freind i rem. with we went on the prom it was Darriy Chester Mansfield me Caleb we i going to miss you my brother.

I had the rare honor and privilege of meeting Darryl several times at Bulls games. He always had a smile on his face and when he learned I once worked for the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints, we had even more to talk about.

He handled things with dignity and grace and never felt sorry for himself. He gave back thru his foundation and became a true role model.

While his family will miss him dearly, all of us who got to know him, even a little, will treasure the memories.

Rest In Peace My Brother

Darryl,
Thanks for all the memories. Not only a great athlete but an outstanding individual. I will forever display your graceful photograph in my family room as heaven just got one heck of a guy. I will be there Tuesday for you!

LOOK TO THE HILLS WHERE YOUR STRENGTH COME FROM.DARRYL WAS A BLESSING TO MANY PEOPLE.I KNOW ITS HARD.BUT GOD WILL SEE YOU THROUGH.WHEN IT GET TO HARD GO DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.ALL WAYS KEEP YOUR FAITH IN GOD.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Martine and Gramma Stingley,

Darryl's suffering is over, May you find comfort in that.
You and Darryl set me on a road of what Grace might look like.
Your old fish guy.

God bless this family.

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Stingley family. Darryl was a wonderful inspiration to many people.

Dear Tina and your and Darryl's children: It's been awhile since we've been in contact, but I think of you both from time to time. We live in North Carolina now and will always remember with endearment living across the hall from you at 400 for so many years.
Love and condolences from Francine Less and Richard Wark