Darren Patrick Folsom

Darren Patrick Folsom, age 65 passed into his everlasting hereafter life on Friday, February 27, 2026. He was recuperating from an injury and died unexpectedly. 

Darren, a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and proved to be an inventive and creative person throughout his lifetime. During his high school years, he developed skills as a lighting technician for the Drama Club, which sparked a passion for creating elaborate alien and monster costumes that rivaled those seen in Hollywood productions. 

Later, Darren worked as a master mechanic in various capacities and businesses. Later, he completed his work career as a 14 year employee at Praxair (Linde Gas & Equipment) in Niagara Falls. He also had many interests and talents. He was an expert shooter and member of a local Gun Club for a period of time. He also loved the art of photography and was talented enough to have once taught a class at his Alma Mater. Darren enjoyed cooking and had a particular love for hot sauces, often impressing people by proving he could handle sauces with Scoville ratings approaching two million.

Darren was also an avid star gazer when the opportunities arose and was also known for his ability to imitate voices. His favorite was comedian Jeff Foxworthy, which he delighted in amusing people performing as. Anything to make people laugh. Darren also loved to fish and when physical limitations later made traditional fishing difficult, he continued to enjoy the sport by competing in fishing tournaments through international video games, where he won a grand championship and also formed friendships with fellow gamers from around the world. 

Darren was predeceased by his parents, Rita "Gloria" (Winkler) Folsom and Charles "Todd" Folsom. He is survived by siblings Pamela (Bob) Kerins, Deborah (Marshall) Lago, Kevin Folsom, Cynthia Folsom Baldassarre, Claudia Folsom, Lydia (Tom) Heater, Valera (Craig) Palmer. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews and a great-uncle as well. 

In phone conversations, Darren would always end by saying, "Say hey to everyone and I love you". Hearing those words again will be deeply missed. 

The family will hold a Celebration of his Life at a future date. 

A LIFE THAT TOUCHES THE HEARTS OF OTHERS, WILL LIVE ON FOREVER. Live on Darren

From Deb

I went to see Darren in a high school musical play and was amazed when I heard his beautiful voice. He loved to collect crystalware and video games. Darren was a big, burly guy which probably intimidated some people, but deep down he was sweet, kind and caring. He made it a point to stay in touch with his siblings always ending the conversation with “I love you”.

From Cyn

Darren was a steadfast and dedicated security guard at PRAXAIR for 14 years. He was hilarious doing impressions of Jeff Foxworthy. How people laughed when he did his routine. Darren also proudly boasted how much he loved hot sauces and could eat the hottest sauces in the world and survive.  He loved the field of special effects and created incredible artwork and monster costumes.  Every phone call with family members ended with” tell everybody I said hi – I love you”.

From Lydia

Darren was a big guy, with a very kind heart.  He had a lot of passion in his beliefs and at the end of the day would give you the shirt off his back if you asked.  We spent most of our childhood together in the same grade since third grade.  We had a lot of common friends since elementary school who all remember Darren as a kind soul.  He was involved in Drama Club, and even participated in a school play – Annie Get Your Gun.  He acted and had a singing role, which was the first time I ever heard him sing.  I was floored by how beautiful his voice was, how did I not know this.  He had a love of music his entire life, and collected quite a library.  He favored 70 and 80’s classics.  I know that he traveled with a friend in a band for a time in the 80’s.  Over the years we would have long conversations over the phone about all kinds of subjects.   He was very interested in computers early on and had some schooling but was self-taught for much of his experience.  In his recent years he became very involved with gamming and had a online community of friends which he would tell me about.  He loved the creative aspect of creating worlds that he could visit and travel through.  He often would take newbies under his wing and get them started in offering tips and sharing his accumulation of tools (not sure what to call them) to get them going in the game.  Since his recent years were more homebound due to his health, he tried his best to keep upbeat which wasn’t always easy to do.  It was a privilege to share a lifetime together and I’m glad that we were there for each other up until the end.  He would always end our phone calls with “tell the boys I said hi, and I love you”.  I’ll smile again soon when I think about my Big Brother. 

From Val

Darren was a very creative person and more talented than I think any of us knew.

I remember back when Star Wars was huge and a new thing. He didn't have the means to go and buy all kinds of stuff to make a Darth Vader  costume to enter a contest one Halloween.  That didn't stop him.  He found things that he could transform into a costume that actually won first place that year!  There were probably 50 entries, but by far, his  was the best!  It was very impressive!

Another thing that I think stunned all of us, was his really beautiful singing voice! None of us heard him sing before.  He and his friend put on a concert and I  remember sitting there with my mouth hanging open thinking, "holy moly, this boy can SING!  It was truly amazing!!

He had a tender soul and I hope he knew he was unique, talented, and loved.

From Pam and Claudia

Darren was very artistic; his creations were unique and beautiful. He was also somewhat of a computer wiz.   Computer  programing  made complete sense to him. One time, he tried to explain to me and Claudia what he was doing.  We looked at each other and said UH-HU (way beyond our understanding)

The last few years were difficult for Darren as his health was declining. Through it all, he tried to be upbeat and optimistic. Darren loved online gaming. He had a whole community of online friends who he interacted with almost daily. They kept him motivated.

A few times after doctor visits, we rode around Goat Island and up  the Niagara Parkway.  He loved the spectacular views and reminisced about places along the gorge where he used to go fishing.

Claudia was always there when Darren needed extra help. She called him often to check in and see how he was doing.  Many times she said to me  …  I’ll take care of it.

We know that Darren will suffer no more pain and endure no more struggles.  We will miss him.

                           ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS, ALWAYS JUST A WHISPER AWAY

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