Darren C. Golden

Darren Golden, January 20, 1963 – September 14, 2025

Darren Golden was born to Robert “Bob” Golden and Elinor “Sally” Golden (née Garden) in Winchester, MA. Following his father’s death when Darren was 3 years old, he moved to Burlington, MA with his mother. Following his mother’s death when Darren was 8 years old, he was brought up by his maternal aunt, Judith “Judy” Linehan (later Fiorilla) in Billerica, MA. His uncles, Michael “Peppy” Linehan and Joseph Fiorilla, influenced the man he would become: patriotic, industrious, sociable, and stubborn.

Darren grew up surrounded by cousins. He was raised in the same household with Judy’s daughters, Susan Winfield (née Linehan) and Colleen Rosales (née Linehan), and down the street was the Linehan boys: Thomas “Tom,” William “Bill,” Richard “Rick,” and Kevin. Darren credits his maternal cousin Kim Bolton (now of Melrose, MA) with introducing him to art and culture. His maternal grandmother Elizabeth Garden and his maternal aunt, Polly Stewart (both of Woburn, MA) were his first teachers in the kitchen, and he became an accomplished home cook. Darren had many friends in Billerica and Woburn, and he was never lonely.

Darren attended Billerica High School, but he saw no reason to delay adulthood: he left school during his senior year, obtained his G.E.D., then fulfilled his childhood dream of enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Darren attended boot camp in Great Lakes, IL, and after boot camp he chose to serve his country as a submariner. Darren attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School in New London, CT, and earned his dolphins while serving on the Gold Crew of the U.S.S. Kamehameha SSBN 642 (“The Kam”) as a torpedoman’s mate (watch station helmsman/planesman). When Darren first joined The Kam, she was in overhaul at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in NH and he took full advantage of all the amusements Portsmouth had to offer. Darren had the privilege of serving with the best of men, and he delighted in remembering his shipmates, the many shenanigans, and time spent at Holy Loch and in the village of Dunoon, Scotland. One of his fondest memories was Tommy Stoyka (of Winter Haven, FL) teaching him to ride a motorcycle safely: Tommy was perched on back seat of the bike, Darren on the front seat, and every time Darren made a mistake, Tommy would slap the side of his head and shout “What are you doin’?!” The lessons learned hardest are learned best. Darren’s shipmates knew him as “Rock,” and for those in the know – he was on the “wet crew.” Darren often said, “If I knew how much fun I was having at the time, I never would have left the navy.” He goes now to join his departed shipmates, including John Currie of Long Island, NY.

After leaving the U.S. Navy, Darren dedicated his life to protecting people and property, including critical medical research at Children’s Hospital Boston and intellectual property at Amazon. He worked for several security companies during his career: Longwood Security Services, Allied Universal, Securitas, and finally United Security, Inc. Darren was grateful for the opportunity to work with many good people over the course of his career, too many to name here. To the end of the line, he held many of his colleagues in his heart.

He also forged close friendships with younger folks he met along the way, particularly Michael McGinty, Pax Censi, Jahsai Maxwell, and Lanareia Wells. He was very proud of each of them and relished hearing about their adventures.

Throughout his life, Darren had a passion for history and pursued many interests. As he served during the Cold War, he did not qualify for the G.I. bill, but he became an avid reader and soaked up knowledge at every opportunity. He enjoyed film photography, cooking, watches, fountain pens, typewriters, fedoras, cigars, tobacciana, absinthina, and dabbled in marlinspike. He appreciated handmade items. He was a fan of architecture, and of the Bauhaus in particular. Darren enjoyed speyside whiskey, preferred his beer light on hops, and liked cigars with a grassy-hay note.

Darren married in 1995; he and his bride lived in Quincy, MA for 12 years, then became proud homeowners in N. Weymouth, MA in 2007. He is survived by Ninotchka “Nina” (a 17-year-old Russian Blue cat), and by his loving wife of more than 30 years, Maureen Golden (née Taylor). Words cannot do their marriage justice.

He is preceded in death by his little tabby buddy Nicolai, and by Ninotchka’s mother, “Deli” (Scobeck Delitechance of Kathausblus), who was a 2003-2004 Russian Blue Grand Champion.

Darren was a proud Freemason: he was raised at Lafayette-Dover Lodge AF & AM in Norwood, MA in 2008, and later transferred to Weymouth United Lodge AF & AM in Weymouth, MA where he was content in his role as a brother on the side. He enjoyed the full fellowship and brotherhood of Freemasonry, and forged a particular bond with his brother, Stephen J. DiGiorgio.

A wake will be held at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 40 Sea Street, North Weymouth, MA 02191 on Saturday, September 27 from 8 AM to 12 PM with a service at 12 PM. Burial will take place at Fairmount Cemetery, 126 Cedar St, East Weymouth, MA 02189 will follow, After the burial a small collation will be held at Weymouth United Masonic Lodge, 610 Broad Street, East Weymouth, MA 02189.