John Paige Darden, 81, of Mt. Airy, a retired mathematics and science teacher, died April 18 of multiple organ failure at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
Mr. Darden had taught in the Philadelphia School District for three decades before retiring in the mid-90s.
He was also active at the Mt. Zion Baptist of Germantown, where he was a deacon, a former chairman of the board of deacons, a former superintendent of the Sunday School program and a choir member.
Born in Atlantic City, N.J., Mr. Darden graduated from Atlantic City High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Wilberforce University and a master's degree in education from Temple University.
He served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War and was discharged as an airman first class.
He is survived by sons John Jr. and Kent; three brothers, a sister, and a grandson. His wife died in 2013.
A funeral service was held April 19 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, with interment in Ivy Hill Cemetery. – WF
