John E. Darden

John E. Darden, 78, born February 24, 1947 to the late Isaac Darden and Mary Louise Darden. He departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in his home in Galloway, NJ

John attended Kinston High School in Kinston, NC. He relocated to Atlantic City, NJ and began working as a chef for Zaberer’s and a casino dealer at Golden Nugget, where he retired. His dedication and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on those around him.

John was a fan of baseball (New York Yankees) as well as football (Dallas Cowboys). He had a passion for collecting baseball hats.

John was known for speaking his mind and living life on his own terms. Though private by nature he had a generous heart and often helped others purely out of the kindness of his heart without expecting anything in return. He took great pleasure in listening to music, sharing stories of his youth and tending to his yard and the sheds he had built by hand.

Above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories filled with love, laughter and warmth.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Darden and Mary Louise Darden; and his brother, Roswell (Roscoe) Darden. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 50 years, Shirley Darden; his loving children, Jeannette, Jamal (daughter-in-Law, Crystal), Jermaine (daughter-in-law, Christina) and Joann; his siblings, Eleanor Stewart, Isaac Darden, Jr, Marvin Darden; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Visitation will be 10AM to 11AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Parsels Funeral Home, 324 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. Service will be at 11AM. Burial will follow at Germania Cemetery, Egg Harbor City. For online condolences, please visit www.parselsfh.com.