George D. Darby, 80, passed away on November 23, 2025, at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, after an illness that had challenged him through much of the year.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, on May 14, 1945, to Betty and George H. Darby; George built a full and meaningful life rooted in hard work, devotion to family, and service to his country. A longtime resident of Palatine, and most recently of Huntley, Illinois, George touched the lives of many with his zest for life and ever amusing wit.
George leaves behind his beloved wife, Marilyn (nee Krueger), with whom he proudly celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 2nd. He is survived by his sons Keith(Ivette), Dan, and David, and his daughter Dawn, who brought him immense happiness with the birth of his grandson, Finn, just last December.
He is also survived by his sister, Judy Frischman and her husband Ron; by his brothers-and sisters-in-law Jerry and Jessica Krueger, Bob and Dina Krueger, Arlene Lubarsky, and Pat Shahinian; and by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will miss him dearly.
George was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Peter Lovell; his brother-in-law Jim Krueger; and his sister-in-law Carol McArthur.
A proud Marine Corps veteran, George honorably served his country in Vietnam. After returning home, he became a dedicated small-business owner, founding a group of local clothing stores including Everyone’s Effort, By George, & Georgie Girl before changing gears to own his well respected painting & contracting company, G.D. Decorating.
On Friday, December 5th a visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, Il, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30am. George’s burial with military honors will take place at Ft. Sheridan National Cemetery, Lake Forest, Il at 1pm. A Celebration of Life Open House will take place that afternoon from 4:00-6:30pm at The Plum Grove Club Banquet Hall, 4001 Park Drive Palatine, Il.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake County Honor Flight Organization at www.lakecountyhonorflight.org
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Your family must be very proud of George with all his accomplishments. He was a friend and like a brother too many including me. He lived a full life and he lived it the way he wanted to.
Dear Marilyn and family, My sixth sense has been at work for few months, I was worried that your happy family adventures were no longer on Facebook. I am sorry I did not reach out sooner. You and George had a beautiful life together and my hope is that in the coming months happy memories will replace the sadness that is with you now. Love and prayers always, Lorry
Dawn my dear. So sorry and sad for the passing of you dear father. He was a good family man and beloved by all who knew him. May God bless his soul and rest him in His abundant peace.
So very sorry for your loss maryilyn.George was such a nice guy!!!! He will be missed by everyone Sending our prayers
Marilyn and the Family — My thoughts go out to you and I remember George fondly. Your family adopted me when I moved to Chicago and I am extremely grateful to have had that love and support. May the Angels watch over George and you all.
Marilyn, we are sending much love to you and your family at this sad and difficult time. We truly hope that the many years you were together will bring memories that bring you peace.
My deepest condolences to the entire Darby family. George was truly one of a kind, warm, strong, and so loved. I’m keeping all of you in my prayers during this difficult time. His legacy will live on forever in all of our hearts.
Words cannot express how sad we are to learn of George's passing🥲 we surely will miss seeing Georgie s smile, laughter, and our get togethers playing Pickleball with our sweet dear friend, ❤️Marilyn/family... You are in our thoughts.🤗 and prayers🙏🙏🙏 we will miss you George 🥲🥲🥲hugs Richie and Kathy
Marilyn, Judy, Arlene and family. So sorry to hear about George's passing. Please accept my sincere sympathies. Lucy Pagels NW Golf League.
Please accept our condolences at the pasding of George. I played golf with him for years and I never saw him in a negative attitude. Prayers for your family.
Marilyn so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Karen Olsen NW womens golf league
Marilyn and family please accept my deepest sympathy. So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Cherish all you memories. Love Vickie Tokar
A gentleman liked by everyone in Northwest Classic Golf League.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish I could give you a big hug. Georgia was so much fun and I’m so glad I got to meet him.
So sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am hoping your family are a comfort to you. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Praying for George and family
Oh, Marilyn, I’m so sorry for your families loss of Uncle George. I have such fond memories of working for you guys at By George with Jeanne. That was our very first job! He would always treat us to Subway sandwiches, a bag of Cheetos, and a Coke for lunch as we tagged items in the back room. I also looked forward to seeing you two at all the many Lovell family gatherings over the decades. So sorry I won’t be able to make it this Friday, but please know that he’s forever in my heart. Prayers for you, and the kids as well, during this tough season in life.
Dear Marilyn and family, My deepest condolences on George’s passing. He was such a kind, loving man and will be missed by many! I’ll never forget his smile and chuckle! So glad we’ve become friends! Sorry, too, that I’ll miss his funeral and celebration this Friday. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers!🥰❤️🥰
Marilyn, we are deeply saddened by George's passing. We so enjoyed his sense of humor. We will miss him at Riverwoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the wonderful memories you have give you peace during this difficult time.
Our family is heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend George. We have been close friends with George and Marilyn for over forty years and our children grew up together since kindergarten. Our families have been sharing fun times, vacations, schools, and life's milestone events. We will always hold so many fond memories with George close to our hearts. Our sincerest condolences to Marilyn and all of his family.
I'm so sad to hear if George's passing. I knew him for a short time, but he was fun on the pickleball court. My deepest condolences to Marilyn and the family. I hope the happy memories he left behind will sustain you in this sad loss..
Marilyn, Know I am thinking you and your children and praying for you at this difficult time. Hugs! Karen NW golf league
I am so sorry to hear of this loss.. I am praying you will find peace in your memories of life with George.
George, You have led a wonderful exemplary life my brother-in-law. May you rest in peace and as ever: Semper Fi comrade.
To the Darby‘s, Kreugers, Lubarsky‘s and anyone on the George Darby Team. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of George. My Deepest condolences to all of you. My memories of George are fond and loving. He was a force that made every room light up and really was such a joy and pleasure to know. I am so sorry for your loss as nothing can ameliorate this. Please feel hugged. You are all in my thoughts. Tanja Buhler