Daryl Eugene Podborny

September 10, 1957 - April 28, 2011

Daryl Podborny, 53, passed away suddenly on April 27th, 2011, in a tragic incident on a city street in Dublin, California. His passing has brought sorrow to many people throughout the community, for he was truly a public figure in the city. In fact, the facebook page created by friends has well over 1,000 ‘fans.’ While some would call Daryl “homeless,” it seems his home was in the hearts of literally hundreds of people. In an article for the Contra Costa Times, published online the day following his death, writer Sophia Kazmi noted that “everyone in Dublin seemed to know Daryl.” One man she interviewed shared, "He's going to be missed. To know I'll go back to Dublin and never see him again, that hurts." Service Information A public viewing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 15th 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Old St Raymond Church, 6600 Donlon Way, in Dublin. The funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, May 16th, at 10:00a.m., at St Raymond Church, 11555 Shannon Ave., Dublin. Just as Daryl led a unique life, the ways to honor his memory are unique. The family requests that any one of the following donations be made: • Non-perishable food items, brought to the viewing on Sunday, May 15th • Cash donations for the local RotaCare medical clinics, which provide free medical care for the homeless and uninsured low-income individuals and families. RotaCare is a nonprofit corporation formed for the purpose of providing free medical care to people who have the most need and the least access to medical services. • Memorial fund donations to cover the expenses of the additional service. Cash donations can be mailed to A Special Touch Funeral & Cremation Service, at 11848 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568. Please note Daryl’s name, and your intention (“memorial service” or “medical clinic”) in the memo line on your check or money order. For additional information on scheduled services, or the donation arrangements, contact Sharon Mace, owner of A Special Touch Funeral & Cremation Service at (925) 875-1343. Daryl’s Story The youngest son of Eugene and Marian Podborny, Daryl is survived by his brothers, William and Danny Podborny, and his sisters, Katherine Box, Victoria Griffin, Teresse Podborny, and Cheryl Box. His oldest sister, Marilyn Stark, died in October of 2010. His mother, Marian Podborny passed away just five months later, in March of 2011. The patriarch of the family, Eugene Podborny, died many years earlier, in February of 1996. The years marked by his choice to be homeless were hard years for his family, who kept trying to reach out to him, without a great deal of success. It seems Daryl was right where he wanted to be. It’s been said that choices are the hinges of destiny, and Daryl’s destiny was – in his quiet way – to change the lives of those around him, by cultivating compassion in their hearts and actions. Born on September 10th, 1957, Daryl had moved to Dublin with his family when he was 9, and attended Dublin High School. He served in the Army for two years, between 1977 and 1979; he then served in the Army Reserve for another two years. In his 20s, he owned his own house painting company. He married, and had what many would say was a “normal” life. But, somewhere along the way, things changed. His marriage ended. His commitment to his work changed. “Daryl always worked, he was always hopeful, and then I don’t really know what happened. He got lost inside his mind, and couldn’t find his way back,” commented his sister Victoria, known to friends and family alike as Vicki. Whatever it was, whether one event or a series of small events, it led him to living life on the streets of Dublin. Yet, there were good memories to share. You could hear the smile in her voice when she shared, “Daryl was right there when help was called for. He would never hesitate; when he saw someone needed assistance, he didn’t stop to ask ‘why,’ but stepped up to offer his help, without question.” That’s a wonderful quality in a human being. James Holley, co-founder of the facebook memorial page for Daryl, perhaps said it best. “Daryl was a beloved citizen of Dublin. Everybody knew him and cared for him. Many gave to him and helped him in little ways but obviously not nearly as much as he gave us in the way he taught us to be better human beings. He is deeply missed and will forever stay in our hearts as a permanent resident.” It seems that Daryl was truly a teacher of a fundamental truth; a reminder of what we all know, but may (from time-to-time) forget. That compassion is not about religion, it’s about humanity; it’s not a luxury, but rather an essential – for our own peace, mental stability and ultimately, our very survival. Join us in remembering, honoring, and paying tribute to Daryl. The public viewing is scheduled for Sunday, May 15th 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Old St Raymond Church, 6600 Donlon Way, in Dublin. The funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, May 16th, at 10:00a.m., at St Raymond Church, 11555 Shannon Ave., Dublin.