Darrell A. Chatman, Jr

Darrell Antonio Chatman Jr. was born on December 4, 1987 in Albany, New York at Albany Medical Center. He gained his heavenly wings just ten minutes after his maternal grandfather, Johnny C Watson Sr., on September 24, 2025 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY. 

Darrell, also affectionately known as “D-Lo”, “Big D” or “SpongeBob”, was educated in the Albany City School District earning his High School Diploma in 2006. Darrell then attended various day time vocational schools over the years, the most recent being “Warren, Washington, & Albany Counties ARC” (WWAARC). WWAARC, A Chapter of The Arc New York, is a nonprofit organization serving nearly 1,000 people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the place where Darrell spent many hours enjoying recreational and educational activities with peers and staff. You could often find Darrell curled up with the stuffed animals he took from his sister while watching his favorite cartoons. Darrell also loved spending time with his family, drinking beers when he was able, and taking trips to the casino. To know Darrell was to love him. 

Darrell was diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 3 ½ years old and he wasn’t expected to live past 7 ½ years old. Darrell defied the odds by living three decades longer than the doctors predicted he would while also fighting additional health issues. Not only was Darrell a fighter, but a pillar of strength and resilience to all those who encountered, knew and loved him.

Darrell was predeceased by his paternal grandmother Hattie Jackson and maternal grandfather Johnny C. Watson Sr., his “Nana” Dorsine Innis, his “brother-cousin” Jahiem Twiggs, his uncles; Johnny C. Watson Jr., Jeffrey Watson and Willam “Poochie” Watson as well as his aunts; Julia Watson, Emily Watson, Bernice (Watson) Burgess, and Barbara (Watson) Twiggs.

His memory and legacy live on through his parents; Wanda Watson and his stepfather, Darryl Jackson; his baby sister Star-Quana Jackson; maternal grandmother, Beauty (Devero) Watson, his uncles; Julius Watson, Jay (Connie) Watson, Carlos Monell Sr. and Philip Widget, and his aunt, Patricia Watson. Others who live on to cherish Darrell’s memory include his “Auntie-Mom”, Regina Monell; his “Brother-Cousins”, Aaron “Munch” (Amanda) Twiggs, Elijah “Paco” Cain, Nathan “Jr” Croley, Trevijion “Tre” Monell, Carlos “Los” Monell; his “Sister-Cousins”, Radaisha “RaRa” Croley, Shavonna “Vonna” Croley, Aleyda “Jelly” Monell, Aaliyana “Aali” Monell; his “Brother-best friend” James “JJ” Koonce; 

“Wife” in love Sadaia Wilson; Godsisters, Meghan Smith and Jessica Tyree; Godnephew, Greyson Floyd and his favorite dance partner Velvet Garriques and childhood friend Jahaad "Slae" Barnes as well as a host of many more cousins and friends.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Ahkeim Thompson, Derek Joseph, Simia Shaw and Rev. Glendora Battle as well as to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital, the staff at Albany Memorial Wound Care, Eddy Visiting Nurses (especially Adrienne D.) and Albany Medical Center Pediatrics (specifically Dr. Jennifer Pearce and Dr. Joann Porter) for their care, attention and dedication to Darrell’s health and well-being throughout the years. 

Lastly, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to Make a Wish Foundation or Ronald McDonald House, Inc.

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