Matthew Darby

Matthew “Squint” Darby Jr. age 64, of Erie, died Saturday, August 17, 2013 at St. Vincent Health Center.

He was born in Orangeburg, S.C. on September 15, 1948, a son of the late Matthew Darby, Sr. and Earthaleen Brown Darby.

After graduating from Strong Vincent High School he attended Erie Business Center. He worked as a manager with Safety Green Scaffolding Company in Orlando, FL for 15 years where he traveled extensively. He worked for many years in manufacturing with Bush Industries.

He was a dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather. A church goer who was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. “Squint” was an avid jazz listener. He was also the Leading Knight of the Gem City Lodge No. 328 and a member of the Sons of the American Legion Rogers of Israel Post 11.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers; Adam Brown, William “Bill” Brown, Hercules Brown Sr., and Melvin Darby.

He is survived by two daughters; Terri Darby (Dennis) and Stephanie Darby Freeland and her husband Michael Sr. He leaves a sister, Anabell Darby and a brother, Robert Darby; four grandchildren; Jessica Speed, Deana Deans, Shateria Franklin and Calvin Franklin. Three great grandchildren; Nacarrya Speed, David Ritchie Jr. and Nakaliah Torres, along with very special nieces Georgia Ann Brown and Mary Brown. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will also mourn his loss.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West Tenth Street, Erie, on Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and are invited to a service in Matthew’s honor on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Shiloh Baptist Church, 901 East 5th Street, Erie with the Reverend Anthony G. Harris officiating.

Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: Terri and Stephanie Darby, c/o Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16502.