Josephine Darling

Jo Darling, a longtime resident of Stamford and beloved mother, nan, nanny, sister, and friend, passed away on Thursday Sept 1, 2022, at Stamford Hospital surrounded by her family. Jo was born in Rockland Maine on January 26,1932 to the late John and Vita Gustin (Rizzuto) and was the youngest of five children.
Jo’s journey from Maine to Stamford began with her best friend Edith in 1952. It was there they met the Darling brothers and soon became sisters-in-law. Jo and her husband Bob were owners of the Villa café where they met many strangers that turned into lifelong friends. However, her greatest accomplishment was her family. She took great pride having never missed an important event such as softball, baseball, football, and dance recitals. Jo also enjoyed going to beach, swimming, reading and donuts. Jo’s quick wit and personality will be dearly missed along with her Sunday meatballs and sauce.
Jo was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert (Bob) Darling in 2004 and is survived by her children Vita Darling of Bridgeport, Brian Darling of Stamford and Anthony (Tony) Darling and his wife Florence also of Stamford; grandchildren, Erin (Andre), Ryan, Colin (Claire), and Kellie: great grand children Jazlynn, Andre and Carter and her sister Marianna Munro of New Britain Ct. Jo is also predeceased by her sister Francis Drinkwater, Mary Vanorse, and a brother Anthony Gustin.
Visitation will be held at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902 on Thursday, September 8th from 4PM to 7PM. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist Church, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT 06901 on Friday, September 9th at 10AM. An inurement will immediately follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Josephine Darling to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/donate or to the ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929, www.aspca.org/donate.
If you would like to leave an online condolence message for Josephine’s family, please visit the obituary posted on www.cognetta.com.