WESTFIELD-Charles “Woody” Darling was the “go-to guy,” according to his colleagues who wished him well on his retirement on Friday afternoon at the Public Works headquarters on Sackett Street.
City councilors Mary Ann Babinski and Mary O’Connell congratulate Charles “Woody” Darling on his retirement during a luncheon on Friday.
Darling, whose last day on the job will be July 1, was feted at a luncheon marking his 25 years serving the city of Westfield. He was surrounded by more than 75 city employees who came to say goodbye, and was joined by his wife Ann Tumavicus, daughter, Mairi Tumavicus, and son, Charlie Darling. Those attending the festive affair enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, as well as a host of homemade salads and desserts.
Francis Cain, assistant director of public works, noted that Darling handled all of the engineering requirements for the city’s drinking water from watershed protection and dam safety to water treatment and water delivery. Additionally, Darling’s responsibilities included working with the state Department of Environmental Protection office as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on compliance regulations.
“Woody is a cornerstone for this department with his superior understanding of all things to do with water,” said Cain. “The city is very lucky to have had Woody work for them.”
A plaque now graces the walls of the water division’s headquarters on Sackett Street for Charles “Woody” Darling who was feted at a retirement luncheon on Friday.
When he wasn’t surrounded by well-wishers, Darling noted his job was varied over the years and he relished the opportunity “to take a project from conception to the end.”
Darling, now 69, grew up in Westfield and after earning a degree in nuclear engineering, he found himself working at nuclear power plants around the country but his heart was always yearning to return to the city.
“His last job was at a nuclear power plant in Kansas but he wanted to work in Westfield,” said Ann Tumavicus.
City councilors who dropped by during the luncheon to say thank you to Darling included Mary Ann Babinski, Ward 1, and Mary O’Connell, Ward 4.
“He has always been so concerned about our water,” said Babinski, noting Darling has also served for years on the Barnes Aquifer Protection Advisory Committee.
Francis Cain, assistant director of public works, writes a message on a poster for Charles “Woody” Darling who was feted at a retirement luncheon on Friday.
O’Connell echoed those sentiments.
“He has worked quietly and efficiently to protect us,” said O’Connell.
Colleagues also praised Darling’s work ethic and demeanor.
“Woody is always very thorough and we can count on him to be accurate,” said Steven Fernandes, deputy superintendent of the water division. “He will be missed tremendously. He was the go-to guy. When there was a question – everyone would say – ask Woody.”
Gary Fontaine, the water division foreman, concurred.
“Woody is always very efficient and will be missed,” said Fontaine, adding, “I wish him God speed on a happy retirement.”
A plaque now graces the walls of the water division’s headquarters on Sackett Street for Charles “Woody” Darling who was feted at a retirement luncheon on Friday.
Darling’s children were also proud to see their dad receive the accolades from a distinguished career in the advancement and delivery of safe drinking water for the city. His son Charlie said it was “pretty cool” to see so many people come out to see his dad and now he looks forward to spending more time with him talking about the science field.
“I’m thinking about being an engineer one day,” said Charlie.
Darling’s daughter Mairi said she didn’t know so many people knew her dad.
More than 75 city employees turned out to congratulate Charles “Woody” Darling on his retirement – and also enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs and side dishes galore.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my dad because we enjoy talking and laughing about things,” she said.
Performing in the holiday production of The Gift of the Magi might also be in the works for all three of them since they recently participated in casting calls.
With only a few more days left next week at the job, Darling is looking forward to spending more time at home – with his family – and in the garden.
“The kids and my 92-year-old dad will especially keep me busy,” he said.
