Marlborough – Charles George Darsch Jr. of Marlborough, formerly of Sudbury, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2023 with his family by his side.
Born in Plymouth, MA on October 14th, 1930, to Charles George Darsch Sr. and Wanda Borgatti. Charles was predeceased by his sister Patricia Haslam. He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Ellen (Carruthers) Darsch.
Charlie was a graduate of Plymouth High School in 1948 and went on to earn a BSEE degree from Lowell Technical Institute, now UMass Lowell, and graduate courses at Northeastern University and MIT. Throughout High School and College, Charlie played hockey as a defenseman and right-wing and lacrosse as well. Charlie proudly served in the US Army and the US Army Reserve Military Police during the Korean War.
His strong work ethic began at a young age and continued to his very last day. He served as an altar boy, shined and repaired shoes and delivered newspapers. He also worked in a mill for his father. While in college, his summer job was driving a truck delivering Pepsi and Budweiser (of course) to Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard accounts. Charlie’s first job out of College was as a Sales Engineer for Pollak Corp. in Dorchester, MA. manufacturing aircraft and automotive controls where he rose to a position as Sales Director. He formed his own alarm installation company called Minuteman Security which was based in Hingham, MA.
Charlie went into the electronic security profession due to a tragic event where a neighbor suffered an intrusion gone wrong. He realized technology could provide earlier detection and save lives. This was the beginning of Charlie’s passion for technology and safety/security systems. With Charlie’s in-depth knowledge of electronics and the safety/security background he possessed, he went to work for a military think tank at Aerospace Research Inc which then became Advisor Research. This company then became Aritech, a major worldwide manufacturer of safety and security technology.
Charlie was instrumental in helping others to design intelligent motion sensors and bring them to market. He remained within the security industry until retirement from Aritech, Honeywell and System Sensor, one of the largest fire alarm sensor manufacturers worldwide. Charlie was honored with many industry achievement awards for leadership throughout his career from many life safety associations of which he was very proud.
Even after Charlie retired, he continued to assist many companies and individuals with his expertise and counsel all over the world. Charlie made his vocation his avocation, always willing to help others. The world is a safer place because of Charlie Darsch. He continued working with the industry in educating people on the importance of what they do in saving lives and had a love of the history of technology being part of the ESA Historical Committee. Charlie was a true gentleman in the industry. He was always there to assist others, when asked what he did for a living he would respond “I shake hands and kiss babies.” The industry truly lost a legend.
Charlie enjoyed traveling the World with Ellen and his daughters, aka “Charlie’s Angels”. As a devout Catholic, one of his favorite trips was to the Holy Land. Charlie was an avid Boston sports fan, and enjoyed his workout each day starting at 5:30AM at the YMCA, often beating his friends to the gym. His most treasured times were spent on the deck with a Bud in his hand and the sun in his face with Ellen by his side.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife Ellen (Carruthers) Darsch, and his children, Kristin Blanchard and husband Lawrence of Northborough. Amy Atwood and husband Christopher of Marblehead. Julie Mogauro and husband Brian of Orlando, FL, Holly Darsch of Marlboro, step-children: Robert Allenberg and wife Cheryl of Wilton, NH, Krista Butler and husband Brendan of Hudson, Scot Allenberg of Marlboro, Brian Allenberg of Brimfield, and Kevin Allenberg and wife Amy of Pepperell. Charles also leaves behind 11 grandchildren with whom he adored.
A visitation for Charles will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Duckett Funeral Home of J. S. Waterman & Sons, 656 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Michael Parish, 23 Manning St, Hudson, at 9:00am on Monday, July 10, 2023. A burial of ashes will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
