Leslie “Les” Alan Darvas, 88, passed away peacefully on June 24 surrounded by his family. Les was born in Cleveland in 1935. He married his wife, Elaine, in 1962 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage until she passed in 2020.
Les’ life was defined by his love for his family and his devotion to Boy Scout Troop 178, serving as a Scoutmaster for more than half a century. The troop met on Tuesday evenings, where Scouts learned to tie knots and earn merit badges. But Les also shaped their lives, expecting the boys to listen to directions and learn leadership skills as they rose in the ranks. He organized car washes, pancake breakfasts and auctions to support the troop and its periodic tours to Washington, DC. Countless young lives were enriched through participation in Troop 178.
Les taught Sunday school at Christ United Methodist Church, remaining active in church life and offering an occasional sermon as a lay leader. He called square dances at the church and could always be found with a camera around his neck at any special event, vacation trip, or wedding. He helped organize regular reunions for the West Tech High School class of 1953 and was inducted into the West Tech Alumni Hall of Fame. Les spent most of his career with Bronze Headquarters in Cleveland.
Les loved his family, nature, his church and Cleveland baseball, and could fondly recall the starting lineup of the 1948 Cleveland Indians championship team.
Les is survived by his children, Richard Darvas of Cleveland and Lori (Matthew) Roberts of Carmel, IN. He was a beloved Grandpa/Papa to Samuel, Jacob and Robin Darvas and Becca and Emily Roberts; and brother to Nancy (Ken) Smith. Les was preceded in death by his parents, David and Margaret Darvas.
The family will receive friends at DONLON FUNERAL HOME, 15478 TRISKETT RD, CLEVE., on Tuesday, July 2 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A memorial service will be held at 4 pm Sunday, July 7, at Christ United Methodist Church, 3625 W. 138th, Cleveland, 44111. The family respectfully requests that any donations go directly to Christ United Methodist Church, the host church of Troop 178, rather than to the Boy Scout office.
