Darrow R. De Carlo, 87, of San Juan Capistrano died on November 19, 2015. Darrow was born on August 18,1928 in Brooklyn, New York. He married Mary Margaret Dolson in 1951 and moved to California in 1958 to work for Metropolitan Insurance Company as a sales executive. He enjoyed a diverse career with various insurance companies, including Vice President at Balboa Insurance and Regional Manager for Travelers Insurance.

In the late 1970s Darrow started his own general contracting business utilizing his fine Italian woodworking skills. Darrow’s custom design finish carpentry and exquisite craftsmanship delighted his clients.

Restoring antique cars was Darrow’s primary hobby, and these included Ford Model A’s and Plymouths from the 1930s, and a 1955 Packard. His 1926 Chevy and elegant 1948 Lincoln won many awards in area car shows.

Darrow had a lifelong love of planes and became a pilot in the early 1980s. He often expressed his sentiments about feeling free and close to God when flying.

Darrow’s unique balance of strength and compassion, warmth and humor, charm and charisma, drew people to him. He lived life loving his family, and that love touched all those who knew him. Darrow is survived by Mary Margaret, his wife of 64 years; sons Bob and Richard (Sharon); daughters Deborah (Dave) and Christine (Andy); and grandchildren Matthew, Joey, Olivia, Noah, Jameson, and Kelsey.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel on December 4 at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital Oakland by visiting www.chofoundation.org and selecting “Donate to Oakland,” or mail to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Foundation P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339 Attention: Children’s Hospital Oakland, or call (510) 428-3814.