Jenna, I'm so sorry for your loss.  There are not enough words to describe what Darrell meant to me, and there is no way I can pick one special moment to describe because there are too many to count.  From all the wonderful times together in New Orleans and Tunica/Memphis all the way up to the last time that I saw him in June of 2018 at your home in California, which was also the first time that I had the pleasure of meeting you.   We stayed in touch and certainly shared many heartfelt conversations and text messages throughout the following years, but I never thought that would be the last time I'd get to see him and get one of his great big hugs.

I met Darrell on my first first day of work at Harrah's New Orleans in June of 2002.  I didn't know anyone else yet; and at the end of that first day, he could have very easily just said, "See you tomorrow."  Instead, he invited me to have a drink and meet some of my other new colleagues.  Little did I know at the time, that would be the start of a friendship that would last forever.

He was my most influential work mentor; but much more importantly, he was one of my best friends, and I cherished my role as the "little brother he never had."  He was passionate and principled and intense while at the same time being incredibly generous and fun and loving.  I am so thankful and blessed to have had him as part of my life.  

Jenna, my thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to you, Darrell's sisters, his nieces & nephews, and all of his family & friends.  

Our hearts are completely broken; but in time, we can take some comfort in the remembering the wonderful experiences we shared with Darrell and take some solace in the hope that he is finally at peace.

Josh San Salvador

Jenna, Joe and I are very sadden to hear of Darrell’s passing. We were very fortunate to have dinner with you both in Dec 2018 and to meet you, his soulmate. You both seemed to bring each so much joy and happiness. Joe and I have known Darrell since 2002 with Caesars New Orleans. Joe & Darrell became close over the years and even went to the US Open together, I am sure they had many stories about their trip! 

Jenna you and Darrell’s sisters are in our thoughts and prayers.

Joe & Andrea Schatz 

Jenna - our prayers are with you and your family and friends and for Darrell right now.

I was a classmate of Darrell’s- KP 1993.

(You may know it as kps 1993)

We both are Deckies..

He was a hoot in class..

who wasn’t- all the wonderful headaches we caused Captain Hard and our other poor teachers.. all the headaches Captain Hard caused us…. I’m sure you heard some of the stories. As per my many friends and family outside of KP - they know all the stories and can tell them as well as I can…. All the headaches and hang overs we all had thought out the years there at KP. Many incredible moments and memories from there. Laughter and tears..

Our KP class of 1993 is very close and we all would do anything for each other and for our families of kpers. If you need a text uplift / a phone call uplift / please reach out to me - Julie Sivia (you can find me via fb IM / DM) (graduation maiden name Julie McCabe) and I’ll give you my direct phone no there.

I have not stopped praying for him and for you once I heard. A ton of prayers and hugs and love is being sent your way today and will continue to pray for you. Please reach out - we all care and care immensely and greatly..

Jenna I am so very saddened to hear about Darrell’s passing.  We were classmates from KP93.  We served together as Drill Instructors in the summer of 1990 for the incoming class of freshmen, and that is when I got to know him.  We weren’t particularly close in school because we were in different majors and lived across campus from each other, but he was well loved by all who knew him.

A couple years ago, I ran for the Pennsylvania legislature, and it was in no small part due to his influence.  He used to be a very vocal presence on Facebook sharing his opinions, especially amongst our classmates, and often in opposition to the majority.  I really listened to what he had to say, and eventually I came to share many of his positions.  I reached out to him in 2022 to thank him for his positive influence on my life, and he appreciated hearing that. 

Sending my sincere condolences to you, his family, and all who knew and loved him.