Anthony Joseph D'Arco

      Captain Anthony "Tony" J. D'Arco, (U.S.M.C. Retired) 91, a resident of the Fox Hill neighborhood of Plains Township, fell asleep in the Lord later Saturday evening in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, following a recent injury.

     Born December 16, 1929 in Brooklyn, he would have celebrated his 92nd birthday in two weeks.  He was the only child to the late Aniello "Danny" and Carmella (Annunziato) D’Arco.   

     He was educated in the New York City schools and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania Military College, 

     A career military man, Capt. D'Arco proudly served our country with the United States Marine Corps during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars; earning the rank of Captain at the time of his honorable discharge from military duties on April 1, 1970.   

     Proud of being a Marine, his employment with the Corps began with First Recon; Later, he served as a mechanical engineer; Worked as a recruiter in the Wyoming Valley, where he would meet his beloved wife, Dorothy Ann Sochko, and finally worked as a supply logistics clerk during the Vietnam War.  Having been wounded in action, Capt. D'Arco was forced to retire early as a disabled veteran, receiving several citations and commendations for his heroic service. While he can no longer be the consummate leader that got it done, this principle should always be championed and we applaude those who carry this torch of being “always faithful!” It is not for us to say, but on behalf him we write “Semper Fi” and for those who would respond we add “HOOH RAH!

     Following his military career, he did not sit idly by.  He furthered his education by attaining his Master of Science degree from Long Island University.  Capt. D'Arco then put his education to good use becoming a computer programming professor at Nassau County Community College in New York.  He was a published author of several texts within the field of computer programming and related studies, several of which remain in use in parts of the world.  His greatest rewards as he recalled them were the countless students to whom he mentored, many of whom kept in contact years afterward, sharing stories of the difference he made in their careers and even their lives.  His mentorship will be missed but not lost!

     He was a member of Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre and held membership in the New York State Education Association.

    This past July he experienced one of the biggest highlights of his life being named "Veteran of the Game" at Citi Field for the New York Mets.  “The greatest day of my life” he explained with teary eyes “with my wife, all our children and grandchildren family and dear friends” as 10’s of thousands in the the entire stadium applauded the compelling story depicted on the jumbo screen to a momentary game stoppage and standing ovation by the players of both teams.

    He and his wife, Dorothy Ann (Sochko) D’Arco enjoyed fifty-eight years of married life together and going strong.  They jitterbugged and polkaed every chance they had.  He always loved her, worked hard to improve her life at every stage and never disappointed her.  While they had their “tiffs” they never lasted for long and “never overnight!” His example…

     Despite all of his accomplishments, the greatest pride he had was his family; especially his grandchildren.  He and Dorothy often would go out of their way great distances to support their grandchildren in various school and sporting activities.  He will be greatly missed by all those he touched in this life.

  Left to cherish the wonderful memories they hold of him in addition to his wife Dorothy at home are the couple's sons, Daniel J. D’Arco, MD and his wife Jennifer of Auburn, PA; David A. D'Arco and his wife Joelle of Mountain Top and Christopher J. D'Arco and his wife Maria of Raleigh, North Carolina.  Eight cherished grandchildren including Brianna, Alyssa, Niccole, Kristina, Jake, Joseph, Lydia and Anthony D’Arco will miss him and cherish his love forever.

     Relatives and friends may join Mrs. D'Arco and her family for visitation and shared remembrances Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street; and then assemble directly at church on Friday morning for Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 695 North Main Street.  Military honors will be accorded by members of the United States Marine Corps immediately following church services.

     Interment will be held privately and at the convenience of the family with entombment in Saint John's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Queens Borough; New York City.

     Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond remembrance with Tony's family are asked to visit his memorial page on our family's website at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com.

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