Dr. Darvin J. Varon

Dr. Darvin J. Varon passed away on February 20, 2025 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y. Born in Brooklyn on February 15, 1955, to Joseph and Aurora (LaPlaca) Varon he was always interested in science. During high school, he managed a rock band and studied acting. He attended Ithaca College for one year, dropped out and spent several years with friends in Colorado working odd jobs and having fun. He returned to New York City hoping to pursue a career in acting. He spent the next ten years studying acting with William Edward Hickey and Uta Hagen, modern dance with Anna Sokolow, barre work with Melissa Hayden and many others. He had minor roles in the movies, Splash and The Chosen, many walk-on parts in several soap operas. His main source of income, however, during this time was from working as a messenger, janitor and cooking hamburgers in a restaurant.

He went on to receive a BA in biology from Hunter College and his M.D. from SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse , N.Y. He completed his Psychiatry Internship at Long Island Jewish /Hillside Hospital and PGY2-PGY4 residency requirements at SUNY Health Science Center Syracuse. He worked for many years on the Inpatient Unit of the Richard H. Hutchings Psychiatric Center, Syracuse.

He was a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and devoted considerable time to lobbying state and national agencies about mental health issues. He was a member of the Medical Society of the State of New York and the Onondaga County Medical Society. He served on the Board of Directors of several organizations: The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra ( 2006-2011), Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music (2005-2011) and the The Red House Theater (2006-2008). Darvin knew how to listen to people, how to comfort others and could fill a room with laughter.

He will be missed greatly by many friends, his Biggs cousins (Joe, Wesley, Noel), Reisley cousins (Roland, Robert, Lynn, Alex, Danielle) and his life partner of 37 years, Dr. Elinor Spring-Mills with whom he visited every continent and 38 countries.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Darvin to the Upstate Cancer Center
Annual Fund (Upstate Foundation, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, N.Y. 13210) or a charity of your choice would be much appreciated.

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