Donald James Dartt

Donald James Dartt, Sr. passed away April 12, 2019 in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 87. He was born May 5, 1931 in Toledo to Ronald and Mary (Maynes) Dartt and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1949.

Don earned his BA Degree from the University of Dayton in 1954 where he excelled in football. He played Center and was a three time letterman and played in the University of Dayton’s only D-1 bowl appearance, the Salad Bowl vs. Houston on Jan. 1, 1952.

After graduating from UD, he married Carolyn Mergler in June 1954 and then joined the U.S. Army the next month and was appointed First Lieutenant before being honorably discharged in 1956.

Don worked at Ford Motor Co., Mather Spring and eventually Baron Drawn Steel where he retired in 1993.

His love of sports led him to officiating football. Don was a High School and NCAA football official from 1957 – 1976 working 12 City League Championships, OHSAA Playoff Games as well as a State Championship game.

He was a Northwest Ohio Football Officials Rules Interpreter, OHSAA Football Rules Instructor, NCAA Division I, II, & III Officials Observer/Evaluator and was inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Assoc. Officials Hall of Fame in 1990.

Don was preceded in death by his son Donald Dartt, Jr., granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Dartt and nieces Lisa (Kavanaugh) Fields & Meredith Mergler. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 yrs. Carolyn; children Steve (Pam), Ellen Columber, Mike, Chris and Thom; grandchildren Rachel (Steve) Bisesi, Alex (Jessica) Dartt, Geoff (Jan) Dartt, Emily (Troy) Bannister, Andrea (Rob) Carrell, Brittany Columber, Justin (Tahya) Columber, Deborah Bell, Caroline (Josh) Jablonski, Laura Masimore and Amanda (Brian) Hill; five great grandchildren.

Family will receive friends at the Castillo Funeral Home Monday from 4 – 8 PM where funeral prayers will be offered Tuesday at 10 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM in Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Memorial tributes may be made to the University of Dayton Football, the UD Champions Scholars Fund.

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