Nicholas O. Darby Jr.

Strength in Body. Strength in Soul.

Nicholas “Nicky” Ozzie Darby, Jr. passed from this life on November 9, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on September 10, 1955, to Nicholas Darby, Sr. and Joan Elsie Cox, and lovingly guided as well by his stepfather, Wilbert Tribble, Nicky grew into a man of discipline, imagination, strength, and deep loyalty.

As a toddler and preschooler, Nicky was the little prince of Gram’Ma Elsie Cox’s house — first in the Bronx and later in West Philadelphia. Everybody knew it. He didn’t walk into a room; he was presented. His Gram’Ma and his Aunt Dita (Bernita Cox) adored him, spoiled him, and dressed him as if the world was his stage.

He was the best dressed little boy in urban America — sharp shoes, fresh outfits, and a confidence to match — fashioned in Saks Fifth Avenue flair, as only could be expected from the fashion icons who raised him.

Nicky attended Larchwood Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School in Philadelphia, where he formed lifelong friendships with Tony Pearson and David Lewis. His 8th grade class was legendary — Carolyn Fitzgerald, Patricia Bailey, Jackie Thomas, Tony, David, and Nicky — the group everyone knew, everyone watched, and everyone remembered. They weren’t just classmates. They were a moment.

He attended Pine Forge Academy, graduating Class of 1973. While attending Pine Forge Academy, his quiet influence continued to grow. Nicky didn’t need to be loud to be known — his presence spoke for him. He added friendships that would last a lifetime, including Reginald Jones, Lisette Sheridan, Lionel “Jap” Parker and Barbara Cumberbatch. He wasn’t looking to lead any crowd — yet somehow, people followed him anyway.

In January 1974, at just nineteen, Nicky enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished 22-year career. He rose to the rank of Senior Noncommissioned Officer and Master Sergeant as he served across the world, including deployment in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His consistency, leadership, and character were reflected in many commendations, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Longevity Service Award, and multiple Unit and Joint Service Awards. His service was faithful. His word was solid. His integrity was unquestioned.

Yet the truest measure of Nicky’s life was not found in medals or in the precision of his uniform—it was found in his heart, his humor, and his

philosophy of strength.

Nicky loved boxing, weightlifting, and martial arts, ultimately earning his black belt during his deployment in Seoul, Korea. To him, the fight was never just physical. It was spiritual. He believed that the body and the spirit trained together — and that strength was meant to protect what is sacred and the most vulnerable.

He taught Dayna karate with that truth at the center. In his presence, she learned that courage is a calling, discipline is a form of love, and the sacred must be defended. With her, he shared stories, film ideas, worlds of imagination. Through his example, Dayna carries his legacy of strength in body, in voice and in purpose. He built worlds inside of her.

He was a prankster, especially with India, their cousin who was raised fully as a sister. The family still laughs about the day she sat perfectly still while he threw darts over her head—both terrified and trusting—while he laughed from his belly the entire time. He teased her constantly, but he also protected her with the full weight of his love. India learned to be a fierce protector because Nicky modeled it for her. She carries his legacy of fierceness and care, still.

With Donna, he rested. She understood his quiet — the language of presence, listening, and showing up without needing to be seen. Nicky didn’t have to be a warrior or a teacher with her; he could simply be himself. She knew how to hold space for him without filling it, how to tend to him without demand or expectation. Donna carries his quiet loyalty — the gentle, enduring love that remains steady even when no one is watching.

And there was Robin Jones McNair — his lifelong friend, confidante, and mirror. Few people understood Nicky the way Robin did. Their friendship was steady, unshakable, and deeply knowing — the kind that does not need explanation. She loved him without condition, and he trusted her with parts of himself few ever saw. She was family in every way that mattered.

Different bonds.

Different languages of love.

Same devotion.

Nicky is survived by his sisters: Dayna Jaye Brown (William III), Donna Tucker (Lamont), and India Medley (Tony); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Nicholas Darby, Sr., Joan Elsie Cox, and Wilbert Tribble; his grandparents Irvin Cox and Elsie Cox; his beloved Aunt Bernita “Aunt Dita” Cox; and his siblings Jerome Darby, Valerie Tribble, and Brian Tribble.

We will carry on his legacy.

We will defend what is holy.

And we will love like he taught us to love.

His belief in defending what is sacred was paramount. And in the end, it was his sole reason for living.