Robert M. Darna

Robert "Bob" M. Darna, 70, of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Portland, CT passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2017. He was born March 18, 1946 in Middletown, CT to Maurice and Bernice Darna. Bob served in the US Navy on board the USS Walworth County (LST 1164). He was a member of the Portland Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as EMT and Captain of Engine Company # 3. Bob was a lifelong resident of Portland, CT and retired from Portland Public Works after 38 years. After retiring and moving to Florida, Bob got involved in any place that would allow him. He was a member of the Royal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadors, the Peace River Sail and Power Squadron, Deep Creek Elks Club, and recently elected as Chairman of Section 22 Design Review Committee. He grew up spending his summers in the Outer Banks, NC camping on the beach then returning over the years to relive his childhood. Bob and his wife Sandy spent many summers camping at Strawberry Park and forming lifelong friendships in the process. Bob was always up for an adventure whether it was helping build a shed for a ship or just taking the boat to an island for shelling, he loved to have fun. He had a love for boating, fishing, shelling, racing, UCONN Women Basketball, animals and the Grinch. There wasn't a person Bob would meet who he didn't talk to. Bob or "Cake, Bert, Robert, Grandpa, Grandbob, Uncle Bob, Boober, Bob the Builder, Bob Dump or Barefoot Bob" as so many people knew him as; always knew how to have a good time. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Darna; sons, Kevin of East Hampton, CT, Mike (Katie) of Portland, CT and Brian of Portland, CT; step-sons, Tyler Semrow of Portland, CT and Ryan Semrow of Baton Rouge, LA; brother, Ronald (Debra) Darna of Boynton Beach, FL; sister, Gail (Dr. Arthur) McDowell III of Deep River, CT; 4 grandchildren, Nathan, Emma, Rhea and Aurora. He will also be deeply missed by his extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Darna. At Bob's request there will be no service. Burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date by the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob's memory to Portland Fire Department CO#3, P.O. Box 571, Portland, CT 06480. "You and I will meet again When we're least expecting it One day in some far off place I will recognize your face I won't say goodbye my friend For you and I will meet again" - Tom Petty Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral Home.