Joseph Francis Darks

January 19, 2022

Joseph Francis Darks, 81, of Smithville, New Jersey entered into eternal life on Wednesday, January 19th after a brief illness. He was born in Chicago and was the beloved son of Alma Martensen and the late Andrew Darks. Joe attended Monmouth University and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Joe spent over forty years at J & J Distributors. Throughout his career he was the proud recipient of many sales awards. Joe started creating furniture in 1974 as a therapeutic hobby which then evolved into a side business "J.F. Darks Furniture Art". He enjoyed creating these fine pieces of furniture for people to enjoy and custom pieces are also proudly displayed in the homes of various family members and friends. He looked forward to the shows at Smithville every year, and the people always looked forward to seeing him and learning about his furniture. His signature piece was his wine rack. Joe was married for fifty-eight years to the love of his life, Barbara. He had two daughters, Donna and Danielle. Joe was respected and admired by all who knew him. He had a smile that would light up a room and had an incredible sense of humor and a quick wit. Joe derived his greatest pride and joy from his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather (Pop). He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Joe was predeceased by his father, Andrew; his stepfather, Harold Martensen; and his brother-in-Law, Al Rosasco. Joe is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Barbara; his his two daughters, Donna and Danielle; his precious grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas and Gianna; his mother, Alma Martensen; his sisters, Judy, Penny (Rich), Linda (Andy), and Dawn (Jesse); his many nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews, A gathering will be held Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 6pm to 8pm at the Wimberg Funeral Home 211 E. Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 11 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 146 South Pitney Road, Galloway, NJ. For condolences and directions, please visit wimbergfuneralhome.com. Donations in memory of Joe may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America or a charity of your choice.