In loving memory of
Daryl James Heath
January 3, 1970 - March 5, 2021
Heath, Daryl James
Iowa City - Daryl James Heath, 51, died unexpectedly in his home in Iowa City on March 5, 2021. He was born in Naperville, IL on January 3, 1970 to his mother, Christine Ginther. Daryl was a graduate of Naperville North High School and received a Certificate in Automotive Technology in 1988.
In 2003 Daryl met Lidia Maldonado and her 5-year-old daughter Marilyn Michelle. He considered Lidia his wife and called Michelle his daughter.
Daryl moved to Iowa in the 1990s where he managed an apartment complex for many years. He worked for Proctor and Gamble since 2008 as a maintenance mechanic. Daryl also started his own businesses as well, building and repairing computer equipment.
Daryl lived a life full of love, generosity, and gratitude. He was helpful and loved by everyone in his family as well as all the people he met. He was a ray of sunshine and positivity and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a friend to all and an enemy to none. He brightened the world with his presence, and the world is a bit dimmer without him. We are all so very sorry to lose him so soon, so unexpectedly.
Daryl loved to spend time going fishing, gardening vegetables and herbs and cooking large meals for his many friends and family, repairing anything that needed to be fixed, and mentoring young people and any adult who needed assistance. He loved to research subjects that he did not know and give that information back to those who asked.
Daryl is survived by his wife, Lidia Maldonado and her daughter, Marilyn Michele; his sister, Lisa (Chuck) Werstine and their two children Kristina and Joseph of Rochelle, IL; his twin brother Derek of San Jose, CA; his adoptive father Ron Heath of Naperville, IL; numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and the many young people he mentored all of his life.
He was preceded in death by his only child, who was stillborn; his mother, Christine Heath; his grandparents; and great grandparents.
Daryl's wish was to be cremated and not buried. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a future date that will be listed in FaceBook as well as on www.celebratelifeiowa.com. Friends and family can Share a Memory on that website. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that friends and family come to that Celebration of Life Ceremony and share their stories and reminisce about the joy of being a part of Daryl's life. Seating is likely to be limited due to Covid restrictions, so information about RSVPs will be published in the above locations when it is available.