Robert Darkey
February 15, 1935 - November 29, 2025
Visitation: Wednesday, 2-8PM, Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229
Service: Thursday, 10AM, St. Teresa of Avila Church , 800 Avila Ct., Pgh, PA 15237
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Edward (“Bob”) Darkey, Sr., aged 90, of Ross Twp., who departed us peacefully on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born on February 15, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Bob was the cherished son of Alva Darkey and Elizabeth Wolffe. He spent his formative years in the city he loved, graduating from Perry High School in 1953, where he excelled as a student and as a talented baseball and basketball player.
As a devoted husband to Janet Hawkins Darkey for 69 years, Bob and Janet built a loving home in Laurel Gardens, North Hills, and raised four children: Linda, Robert Jr. (Victoria Smith), Thomas (Angela Moore), and Lisa (Everett Petronick). He was a proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride.
Bob dedicated 45 years of service to United States Steel, retiring in 1994 as Payroll Supervisor at the US Steel Service Center in Pittsburgh’s Southside. Renowned for his integrity and unwavering work ethic, he earned the admiration of colleagues and friends throughout his distinguished career.
Beyond his family and work life, Bob was a passionate basketball coach, guiding boys’ and girls’ teams for 28 years at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Grade School and North Catholic High School. He inspired countless young athletes, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. He also found great pleasure in gardening and spending time outdoors.
Bob will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, and steadfast love for his family. His legacy endures in the lives he touched and the values he instilled. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara (Joseph Portka). He is survived by his beloved wife Janet, their children, his brother-in-law Richard Hawkins, and Goddaughter Janet Hawkins of Pittsburgh.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 806 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 from 2pm-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at St. Teresa of Avila Church (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish), followed by entombment at Christ Our Redeemer, North Side Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Hillman Cancer Center.
Bob will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew him. His family would like to express their sincere thanks for the care and efforts of so many at Allegheny Health Network Hospice and Hillman Cancer Center, including the nurses at UPMC Passavant Hospital, to treat Bob and to make his final days as comfortable as possible.
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Janet. I was sad to hear of Bob’s passing. I’m sorry I couldn’t see you at the viewing but I know exactly how you are feeling. It’s interesting that my Bob’s name was also Robert Edward. May God bless you and your family.
we say goodbye right now to a wonderful man and gentleman.–.thanks for being such a wonderful friend and neighbor
My condolences to the Darkey family on his passing.
Our sincere condolences. Jan and Dick was keeping us informed on Bob’s condition. Hopefully God’s love and peace will help you and your family through this difficult sorrow.
My sympathy to the Darkey family. Coach Darkey was very special to me and my entire family. Coach taught so much more than basketball.
My sincere condolences to the entire family. May God give you peace during this difficult time.
Mrs. Darkey and family, I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. May all your memories give you all peace.
My heart is saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Darkey. I will be keeping the entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to Bob’s family on his passing. He was a great USS friend and coworker with a well respected reputation. Glad I knew Bob. Prayers for healing and may Bob rest in peace.
Sympathy and Prayers for Janet and all the family. He was a good, kind man and I am certain that God welcomed him into his Heavenly home with “ well done, good and faithful servant”! Heaven has gained another angel. ❤️🙏🏻
Dear Mrs. Darkey, Lisa, and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Darkey was such a great man. Always kind, always ready with a smile. He will be missed by so many! . Keeping you all in my prayers 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Bob’s smiling face will be missed at our BTS dances. May his soul rest in peace! He was a good man, father and Husband.
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Such a wonderful man. Our condolences to Janet and family.