Darryl Frances Deane
Nov. 8, 1946 – Jul. 2, 2019
Darryl Frances Deane, 72, of Henrico, VA passed peacefully on July 2, 2019, in his home. Darryl was born in Richmond, VA to Archie and Dorothy Deane on November 8, 1946. He attended both St. Christopher’s School and Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, VA. He continued his education at University of Richmond where he studied Biology. He attended graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA where he received a master degree inBiology Education.
He devoted his life to teaching and had taught Biology 101 & 102 at the college level. At the high school level he taught General Biology, Advanced Biology, Environmental Science, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and AP Biology. He also taught Math & Science or Life Science at the middle school level. Throughout his career, he taught in the following colleges, public schools, and private schools:
J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College – Richmond, VA, Goochland High School, Goochland, VA, John Tyler Community College – Richmond, VA, Meadowbrook High School – Chesterfield, VA, St. Gertrude High School – Richmond, VA, Richmond Montessori School (Middle School) – Richmond, VA, Elkhardt Middle School – Richmond City, VA, and Surry Academy – Surry, VA. Darryl coordinated Stream Monitoring Program with Monacan Soil & Water District during his over 20 years of service at Goochland Public High School. He also coached Cross Country Track Team, Academic Science Team, and Envirothon Team after school and taking students backpacking, rock climbing, and canoeing at his spare time.
An avid outdoorsman, biologist, Chinese Brush painter, and environmentalist, he impacted many and challenged his students to stretch their minds. Through teaching and by example, he inspired all to have a profound appreciation for our earth. A devoted husband and brother, he is survived by his wife, Chunying Deane, and his brother, Brian Deane. A private memorial service will be held to honor his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Maymont Foundation in Richmond, VA.
I am sad to see Darryl already gone; I thought with all the physical activity he did he would outlive us all! When I got to know him more than 35 years ago he was running and doing tai chi daily. He inspired me to continue learning tai chi and chi gung and I will be forever grateful for that! He and I also had in common our dedication to caring for the earth and living a sustainable lifestyle. Darryl was quite a colorful character who I will never forget.
Darryl was a dear friend of mine for 44 years. He was a dedicated teacher who inspired many. I celebrate the good, smart, talented, kind man that he was. He was a blessing in my life.
Darryl was an important part ot the 1965 St Christopher’s football team . A tenacious tackler and great teammate.
Daryl taught me high school biology. We even had a copper head snake in our classroom. I have loved biology all my life and went on to major in it at Christopher Newport. All as a result of his influence as a teacher. I’ll never forget him and what he meant in my life. Thank you Mr. Deane. LOVE
To Darryl’s wife and brother, I extend my deepest sympathy for your loss Darryl was a sweet and generous man. I will always be grateful to have known him in my life. It is so hard to believe he has left this earth so soon. He was always so physically active and those are the memories I wish to remember. Words will not wipe away the tears and hugs may not ease the pain, but hold onto your memories because forever they will remain. My deepest condolences to you both.
Darryl and I taught together at Richmond Montessori School. My memory is of a man filled with energy and a ready smile. His laugh would often be heard in the “science room” as he offered his knowledge to the students. Always ready to get outdoors with his students, he instilled a love for both nature without and our natures within.
Darryl was one of my teachers at Richmond Montessori, and he was one of the most influential people in my life. He gave me a love of the outdoors, introduced me to combat sports, and nurtured my natural curiosity. I am so sorry he is gone, I would have liked to have had one more conversation with him.
Daryl was one of my teachers at Montessori school around 1979. He was a tremendous teacher and a formative adult in my life. I have many, many memories of him, including his quick grin, his love of nature and of his morning coffee, and his enjoyment of both learning and teaching. He was a giant to me, and I always imagined him living forever. Very sad to hear of this loss.