Darlene (Farbaugh) Petaccio

Darlene Petaccio, a brilliant and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2023 , at the age of 66. She was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to parents Jean Mikolay and Donald Farabaugh on February 1, 1957 , and was raised alongside her siblings: Chris, Gary, Kim, Kevin, Donna, and Diane. Darlene had been a resident of Morrisville, Pennsylvania since the 1980s.

Darlene's life was infused with creativity from the start. Her radiant beauty led her to early pursuits in modeling, often capturing the camera’s gaze with her charms. From her early years, Darlene's life was marked by a passion for creativity and the arts. Her heart found tremendous joy in dancing – a passion she nurtured throughout her life, spanning from childhood dance lessons to the ballroom later in life, with her cherished friends at Church on the Mall. She felt a deep connection with music, playing guitar, flute, and teaching herself to play the piano. The creativity she brought to music was paralleled in her love for sewing, a skill she honed from 1976 when she got her first sewing machine. She later used this talent to establish her successful business, "Tailoring Too!" While she wasn’t busy creating, Darlene harbored a deep love for the beach, a place where she found peace and tranquility.

Darlene was baptized on November 28, 1976 , in Levittown, Pennsylvania. She remained an active member of her church community for many years, teaching children's church, directing puppet shows, and crafting endless creative projects with the young ones.

Darlene's professional life was marked by her entrepreneurial spirit. She founded the award-winning marketing business, TMCDP, that received accolades such as the SITWE Chamber of Commerce Award for Outstanding Enthusiasm and the Excellence in Service Award from the Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee. Her work even gained recognition in the Courier Times. Later, Darlene excelled as a top recruiter for Kaplan University, consistently ranking among the top three in the nation and receiving numerous awards.

On October 1, 2022 , Darlene married Dennis Baudo, her adoring partner of 30 years. She is survived by Dennis and her loving children, Sheila, Brandon, and Vince Petaccio. Darlene was also a doting grandmother to Antonia, Evalise, Miralina, and Elaeora Petaccio. Her love for her family was unconditional, and she continually encouraged her children to develop their talents and pursue their dreams.

Known for her brilliance, vibrancy, and beauty, Darlene was always active, always working on a project, and illuminated any room with her presence. Her legacy remains in her hobbies, her work, her love for her family, and the strong friendships she built, including her neighbors and many lifelong friends.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. An open-invitation memorial is being planned and details will be announced at a later date. As we remember Darlene, let us honor her memory by reflecting on the love, joy, and creativity she brought into the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you hold your loved ones a little closer, pursue your passions a little more fervently, and embrace each day with the vibrant spirit that Darlene exemplified throughout her life.