Darryl Milton Athons

Darryl Athons, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 3, 2026 at the age of 90.

Darryl was born and raised in Los Angeles. Just prior to his 19th birthday, the family moved to the San Fernando Valley. Darryl was a true “Angeleno” and shared fond memories of “growing-up in L.A.”

Following his first marriage, he settled in Cerritos, California where his two sons, Jim and Danny were born.

Immediately after graduating from John Marshall High School, Darryl was hired by Western Costume where he would say, “learned the movie business”. While working at Western Costume, he simultaneously enrolled in night classes at Los Angeles Valley College earning his AA Degree. After several years with Western Costume, he moved into the “industry” and became a Men’s Costumer. Through his hard work, dedication and love of his job, he became an extremely well-respected Costumer working for all of the major studios in both movie and television. His career enabled him to travel throughout the United States and many parts of the world. He absolutely loved his work and the many, many friends he made over the years in the movie and television industry.

For a period of time, he chaired the Costume Department at Disneyland in Anaheim. He subsequently traveled to Florida during the construction of Disney World and was a key member in the development of the costume department.

Following his time with “Disney”, he returned to the movie industry where his career continued to flourish. He shared many “movie stories” which kept us all entertained. After 50+ years, he retired and spent his remaining years in his much-loved Thousand Oaks home with his beloved and devoted wife, Helyn who predeceased him in March 2025. He loved his doggies to the moon and back; Ho-tai, Mai-tai, Bella and Sasha. Darryl was a true lover of animals.

Darryl absolutely loved college football and especially USC Football. He attended literally hundreds of USC games throughout his life beginning as a young child. He knew the stats, wins, losses, the players and coaches and loved talking about USC history.

Both of his sons, Jim and Danny, tragically predeceased Darryl. He is survived by his adoring sister, Pam Migliozzi and brother-in-law, Nick Migliozzi, loving nephew, Rich Migliozzi, Darryl’s deeply loved “Son” Mark Dickenson, stepdaughter Teresa Dickenson and her partner Don Valenzano and his step-grandchildren, Matthew Anders & Megan Anders-Heath.

Both Darryl and his wife Helyn were long-time devoted members of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. Darryl enjoyed attending the weekly Men’s Bible Study group and being with his “Righteous Brothers” friends. He was a wonderful father, devoted husband, deeply loved brother, uncle and loved by Teresa and his “son”, Mark who always referred to him as “Pop”.

The family extends our deepest appreciation to Allisa Daquino, Motion Picture and Television Fund Social Worker for her gentle nature and caring support for Darryl. Allisa was a "lifeline" especially for Pam for which she is genuinely and profoundly grateful.

Darryl served 12 years in the U.S. Naval Reserves. According to his wishes, a service will be held at sea on Tuesday, October 6th at 12:30 p.m. out of the port of Long Beach. A separate Celebration of Life will take place at a date yet to be determined at Calvary Community Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village at 10:00 am, on Friday October 2nd. Darryl will be deeply missed and forever loved. Fly Free Dear Brother, Pop and Friend to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the MS Society or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).