CARSS Park Football Club president and a St George FC director, Darryl Hancock, 52, died suddenly on May 6 at his Blakehurst home.
More than 700 people went to his funeral service at Mater Dei Catholic Church, Blakehurst, on May 16. A private service for the family and close friends was held at Woronora Crematorium’s south chapel.
Darryl had given many years of service to the community in sport and as a special education teacher, devoting his energies to disabled children, sports athletes and people.
A disabilities football fund for disabled children is being established in St George, with the backing of many St George Football Association clubs.
His wife Penny said he had been a melanoma survivor 11 years ago.
Darryl’s late father was former Australian flyweight boxing champion, Sam ‘‘Taffy’’ Hancock.
He worked for 15 years in special education in St George and Sutherland Shire, then five years as the program director of the Winter Academy of Sport at Jindabyne.
He and other staff had established facilities for disability athletes at Jindabyne.
Darryl then worked for Marist Youth Care and Life Without Barriers at their Sydney office at Rockdale; both organisations look after the needs of vulnerable children, foster care, educational programs and adults with disabilities.
The Carss Park FC website ran a special message in his Darryl’s honour:
‘‘Darryl was an integral part of not only the club but to everyone he had met along his journey.
‘‘His love for his family and his beloved CPFC is truly admiring and he will be missed terribly.
‘‘His aim was to make CPFC a fun, friendly and safe environment for all players, parents and coaches.
‘‘During his time as president, Darryl has achieved this — a true testament to his character and determination.
‘‘A recent highlight for Darryl and his club passion was his part in coaching the CPFC academy in which he showcased his skills and knowledge of the game he loved so dearly.
The CPFC committee passes their condolences to Penny, and his three sons (Stuart, 22, Brendan, 21, Nathan, 14), family and friends.’’
Click on the comment link below to leave a tribute to Darryl Hancock.
