Darrell Douglas Garvey Sr.

Darrell Douglas “Pops” Garvey, 65, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on May 23, 2026. Born on January 11, 1961, in Tallahassee, Florida, Darrell lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, his work, and the values he carried with him everywhere he went.

Darrell spent his childhood and teenage years in New Jersey and Iowa before settling in Long Island, New York, where he graduated from St. Anthony High School in Smithtown in 1978. He went on to attend SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, earning his Engineering degree in 1982 along with a United States Coast Guard license as a Third Assistant Engineer and a commission as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve.

During his four years at SUNY Maritime, Darrell proudly represented the Privateers on the college ice hockey team. His love for the sea and ships grew deeply during this time. Although his dream of sailing the world never came to fruition, he played a vital role in building the vessels that would. At Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia, Darrell helped construct and fit several major ships—including the USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George Washington, USS Chicago, and USS Oklahoma City—installing nuclear reactors and fuel systems with precision and pride.

It was during his years in Newport News that Darrell met the love of his life, Cathleen. As they began building their family, Darrell chose a new path and enrolled in the College of William & Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law, and in 1992, he graduated with his Juris Doctor.

Darrell and his family later moved to Orlando, Florida, where he built a long and respected career as a real estate attorney with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, with whom he stayed for much of his career, until he ventured out on his own and helped form Hagood & Garvey.

Darrell had many passions—history (especially WWII), cruises, hockey, trivia nights, and movies like The Princess Bride and The Sand Pebbles. But nothing mattered more to him than his family. He was a constant presence in his children’s lives: cheering at every hockey, weightlifting, and football event for his sons, Darrell and Tom; supporting every color guard and twirling performance for his daughter, Meghan; and attending every play and FFA event for his daughter, Maddie. His love was steady, visible, and unwavering.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Frances, and his brother John. He is survived by his wife Cathleen; his sister Laura; his children Darrell (Raena), Meghan (Jarrod), Tom (Llerika), and Maddie (Bryan); eight grandchildren; and the many friends and extended family who loved him.

The Garvey family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Finnigan, Nelson, and Dominguez families for their lifelong support through every season of life. You were family to Darrell—and to all of us.

Memorial services will be held. Please reach out to the family for more information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darrell’s honor to the SUNY Maritime Hockey Team, a program that shaped him and remained close to his heart.

Darrell, may you have fair winds and following seas. You will be forever loved.