George Wilson Darago, 76, of Daytona Beach, FL formerly of Huntingtown, MD died February 17, 2025 peacefully at home after battling a long illness.

Born June 5, 1948 at home in McDowell County, WV, George was the third-generation to live on the family farm on Windmill Gap, WV where his passion for building and farming began as a young boy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mike Darago & Ora (Wyatt) Darago; five brothers, Mike Jr., Garland, Steve, Oscar and extra special big brother, Carl and three sisters-in-law, Brenda Darago, Becky Darago, & Diana Worrell.

George is survived by the “love of his life”, Connie East of Windmill Gap, WV whom he wed on June 7, 1966 in Sparta, NC. Together they had three children; Eric (Cynthia) Tullahoma, TN; William (Sharie) Paw Paw, WV; & Misty Behnke (Carl) Daytona Beach, FL. along with five grandchildren; Wyatt, Veronica, Jackson, Walter & Harper and many special nieces, nephews, and younger brother, Daniel of Pomfret, MD.

George attended The Joint Carpentry Apprenticeship Program 1968-1972 and graduated as a Journeyman Carpenter. He worked for various contractors in the Washington, D.C. area, built several homes (including his own and his mothers) and then for the Architect of the Capital in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. as a Woodcraftsman until an injury ended his career. Still he lent a helping hand when he could through design and supervision. He was proud to be part of Eagle Scout & Gold Award Projects for his son, daughter, and two-nephews.

George loved his little piece of land where he built his home and provided him with lots of hobbies. He spent countless hours clearing his land aboard his old Ford tractor “Blue” and cutting firewood for winter heat. There he raised chickens, turkeys, rabbits, cattle, hogs, and goats all reminding him of growing up on his mountain farm. George loved dogs and had some amazing ones through the years, King, the white German Shepherd he called the Wonder Dog; Hollyberry, the sweet black lab, and Bocephus (Bo) the big yellow lab that became his best buddy.

His children grew up much like he did loving the great outdoors. He watched with pride as they rode bicycles, dirt bikes, fished, ice skated, played hockey and swam in the backyard pond, learned to drive cars, hay trucks, “Blue” (the tractor) and “Babe” (the lawnmower) and joined in as the children played “Hide And Seek” at dusk.

George wasn’t fond of modern technology and rarely spoke on the telephone. He preferred visiting and talking face to face. He enjoyed spending time with his brother, Carl, next door visiting daily to reminisce about their life on the WV mountain; visits from neighbor, Dickie, was always welcome and he bonded with his best friend Dave, from carpentry school. Their close friendship spanned over 55-years.

George was a devoted husband, proud father, brother, uncle, and his most cherished title of ‘Pop Pop’. He was known as ‘Uncle George’ to nieces, nephews, their spouses & children, even his caregivers’ three year old daughter claimed him as her uncle. He loved everyone but held a special place in his heart for any child when they came to visit. He kept drawers full of matchbox cars and goodies to give them. No child ever left sad or forgotten when they visited Uncle George and knew his heart was as big as his smile.

George was quick to praise his wife’s cooking and spent hours with her talking about where and how they grew up on Windmill Gap. He enjoyed bringing up the fact that when they competed in Spelling Bees he always got first place and she second. She would retaliate by saying his blue eyes danced when he lied which made him smile and drop the subject.

George never said goodbye whether in person or on the phone. He only said “Hugs & Kisses”.
So Hugs & Kisses George, until we meet again. We will love and miss you every day.

A Celebration of Life for George will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at The Calvert County Fair Grounds in Prince Frederick, Maryland between 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

George loved dogs, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to the Humane Society of Calvert County by mailing a check to:
2210 Dalrymple Rd
Sunderland, MD 20689
or
https://humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org/support-humane-society-of-calvert-county-donate-today/

Cremation provided by Alavon Direct of South Daytona, FL.