Davon Marquette Darden Sr.

Da Von (Davon) Marquette Darden Sr., 51, transitioned to life eternal surrounded by loved ones at Yale Ne Haven Hospital on March 3, 2025, after bravely battling both kidney failure (30 years) and more recently kidney cancer (5 years).

DaVon was born on August 24, 1973 in New Haven, CT t o Mark McGraw and Brenda Darden (Allen). He later gained a Step-father, James Allen and a Step-mother, Shirley McGraw.

Davon spent most of his life in New Haven. He attended Helene Grant Elementary School, Troup Middle School, Hillhouse High School and later earned an Associate degree from Sawyer Business School.

Despite the devastating news and disabling condition, Davon persevered and worked over twenty years in the food service industry. He enjoyed feeding people and loved the reaction of patrons who enjoyed his food so much they requested that only Davon make it.

In addition to his zeal for work, he loved of cars and music. He could often be fixing or modifying vehicles or riding loud on I-95. I n 2019, he became a member of M-pire Car Club, adopted the moniker LTZ-D for the model of his Chevy Impala, and came to serve as their Vice-President. He helped organized community events dear to his heart such as annual trunk or treats a n d arranged activities in association with the National Kidney Foundation to increase awareness of kidney disease. M-pire was more than a social group the officers, members, and affiliates were his family.

Davon was not only a son, brother, and friend, but he was also a devoted father. He adored his children; daughter, Ceiarra Darden and son, Davon Darden Jr., and was passionately present as a n uncle to his nephews, Marquette Freeman d Eathern Freeman Jr. He was their mentor, role-model, confidant, and encourager. And, he worked tirelessly to create memories with them they could hold on to, knowing his time was short.

In addition to his children and nephews, Davon is survived by his parents Brenda Darden – Allen a n d Mark McGraw, Step-parents James Allen a n d Shirley McGraw; two brothers, Marc (Jr.) and Marquise McGraw; two sisters, Stephaine Darden-Smith, and Shontisha Feliciano; and a host o f great- aunts, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his Grandmother, Mildred Darden; Grand father, Cary Darden Jr.; Uncle Cary Darden III.; a host of great-uncles, and his Aunt, Patricia Darden.

A celebration of DaVon’s life will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11am at Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT. Viewing in Colonial from 10-11am. Entombment will be held on Thursday March 20, 2025 in Beaverdale Memorial Park at 1pm. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.