Joseph Ronald D'Arco Jr.

Joseph (Joe) R. D'Arco Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at Savannas Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Born on August 31, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, he was the son of Joseph F. D'Arco and Josephine Genchi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Patricia J. D'Arco; his son, David D'Arco; his sister, Constance Danek; and his granddaughter, Deanna D'Arco. Though the weight of these losses was profound, his love for them never wavered. Those who knew him witnessed a man who carried grief with dignity and continued to show up for his family in every way he could.

He is survived by his sons, Joseph D'Arco (Barbara), Michael D'Arco (Jennifer), and Steven D'Arco; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Giresi-D'Arco; his brother, Robert D'Arco (Patricia); his sister, Joann Rogalski; his grandchildren, Sarah, Chris, Joe, Giana, Dominic, Talia and Michael; and his great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Eliana.

Above all, he will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was rooted in commitment. In his final chapter, he was reunited with those he deeply loved, and that reunion brings comfort to those he leaves behind.

He was a 1955 graduate of Clifton High School and volunteered to serve in the United States Army in 1957. He was honorably discharged in 1959. Joseph joined the Clifton Fire Department in 1961. Over the course of his distinguished 34-year career, he rose through the ranks to retire as Deputy Chief, earning the respect of his fellow firefighters and the trust of the community he proudly served. Fire service was more than a profession to him, it was a lifelong brotherhood grounded in duty, leadership, and unwavering commitment.

While serving, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Jersey City State College and later taught as an adjunct professor of Fire Science at Passaic County Community College, mentoring and preparing the next generation of firefighters. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Deborah Hospital Foundation, continuing his commitment to leadership and community service beyond his active career.

In keeping with his Catholic faith, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, Port St. Lucie at 10:00 on 4 March 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deborah Hospital Foundation, 212 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, New Jersey 08015.