Beloved Wife, Sister, Mother, and Grandmother, 66

Mrs. Darlene Joy Metzler, 66, of Whiting, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday,

December 14, 2025, at Community Medical Center in Toms River, surrounded by the love of her

family.

Born in New Jersey, Darlene lived a life devoted to service, compassion, and care for others. She

proudly served her community as a volunteer firefighter with the Barnegat Fire Department,

answering the call with courage and dedication. Her commitment to helping others continued

through her work as an EMT with Exceptional Medical Transport in Atlantic City. Darlene’s

strength, generosity, and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on all who had the

privilege of knowing her.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, Darlene placed her family at the

center of her life. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael; her daughters, Jessica Zarate

and Lucia Kraft, and son-in-law Jeff Kraft; her cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey and Mason;

and her son, Michael Zarate. She is also survived by her parents, Joyce and Robert Farenga,

who remained a source of love and support throughout her life.

Darlene is lovingly remembered by her siblings and extended family. She is survived by her

brother Anthony Farenga and his wife Tuesday, their daughters Jaime Barsnica (and her

husband Greg, and children Gianna and Anthony) and Amanda Henry (and her husband

John, and children John and Madison). She is also survived by her brother Robert Farenga

and his wife Tammy, and their children Robert (and his wife Sara), Sarah, and Zachary (and

his wife Lydia, and daughters Moriah and Gabriella).

Darlene’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to both her family and her community

will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all

who knew her.

Services will be held at Ocean County Cremation Service, 1252 Route 37 West, Toms River,

NJ 08755, on December 19th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A celebration of Darlene’s life will

be held in the spring, when family and friends may gather to honor her memory.

Flowers may be sent to Ocean County Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be

made in Darlene’s name to the American Cancer Society.