Howard M. Darling, Jr.

Howard M. Darling, Jr., 81, of Salisbury, New York, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, May 8, 2025 in Little Falls, New York.

He was born on September 24, 1943 in Little Falls, New York and was the son of the late, Howard and Virginia (Rice) Darling, Sr. Howard received his education at Fort Plain Central School.

Howard was a 3rd generation logger and was the sole owner of Howard Darling Logging where he harvested land all over central New York. He was well known in the area and worked for over 50 years as a logger.

He was an original and life-time, founding member of the Salisbury Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club, a member of the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club, a former member of the Sprite Club and a former member of the Mahogany Ridge Hairs and Belles Tug of War Team where they won the New York State Championship. 

In the fall, three generations and one year four, would make there way to Colorado to hunt elk and mule deer.  He also hunted for moose in Canada.  He has an elk and moose mount displayed at the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club.  In the Spring, 3 generations would fish in Canada on Lake Natiwissi.  They went yearly.   He also enjoyed long rides in the adirondacks.

A loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Howard will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Vicki Hilts and her husband, Richard, Donald Darling and Ryan Darling and his wife, Samatha, all of Salisbury, NY; nine grandchildren, Matthew Mosher and his wife Leah of Dolgeville, NY, R.J. Mosher and his wife, Courtney of Whitesboro, NY, Darin Darling and companion, Katrina Bacher of Harrisonburg, VA, Jacob Darling of Harrisonburg, VA; Lorrellai Darling, Kayden Davidson, Addyson Davidson, Ryan Darling, Jr., and Peyton Darling, all of Salisbury, NY; nine great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Olivia, Emma Connor, Jameson of Dolgeville, NY and Savannah, Laine, Allesandra and Julian all of Whitesboro, NY; brothers, David Darling, Sr. and his wife, Betty and Robert Darling and his companion, Harlene Cramer, all of Salisbury, NY; a sister-in-law, Karen Darling of Little Falls, NY; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and special extended family members, Perry Siver and Brent Gray.

Howard was predeceased by his brothers, Arthur Darling, Sr. and Terry Darling.

A private family graveside service will be held at Salisbury Rural Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with father, Howard and brother, Arthur. The family will receive relatives and friends for a Celebration of Life Reception on Saturday, May 31, 2025 starting at noon at the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club, 697 Peckville Road, Dolgeville, New York 13329. All are welcome to attend.

The family is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Darling Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhom.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memorial book.

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