Joe D’Arco
On Sunday, January 12th, 2020 our most loved, Joe D’Arco passed into eternity following a brief illness. He was in his 85th year.
Christened Joseph Charles, Joe was one of four children born to Luigi and Sylvia Vitello D’Arco.
Due to his mother’s illness, Joe was raised by his aunt and uncle of Richwood, Sam and Mary Vitello DiMeglio.
He was born on November 23rd, 1934, at Richwood. In addition to his parents and his aunt and uncle Joe was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond “Tiny” D’Arco of Charleston and Pat D’Arco of Cleveland, Ohio. His sister, Mary Lou Walker and her husband, Sterling survive of Charleston. There is an extended family of nieces and nephews as well.
Joe attended Holy Trinity Elementary School and Richwood High School. After serving a stint in the Army, he returned home and furthered his education, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) and a Master’s Degree from Marshall University. He was employed as a special education teacher in Kanawha county schools, St. Agnes High School among others and in the Raleigh county school system, Stratton Junior High School and Woodrow Wilson High School.
Joe loved gardening. His specialty was habanera peppers, sweet peppers, parsley, basil and eggplant. Proud of his Italian heritage, he was an excellent cook, especially pasta and would preserve his own tomatoes so he would have just right type of sauce he wanted. Joe’s expertise in gardening has not been handed down, so it will be a learning experience for those in the family who want to try to garden up to our dear Joe’s standards.
In addition to the D’Arco’s, Joe leaves his loving wife, Dorothy Shrewsbury. While living in Charleston, Joe and Dorothy worshiped at Blessed Sacrament Church and in Beckley, St. Francis de Sales Church. He is the beloved father of Dr. Sam D’Arco and his wife, Dr. Ruth D’Arco of Augusta, Georgia; the fond stepfather of Lisa Phillips and her husband David of Augusta; the proud grandfather of Christopher, Sarah, Hannah and Samuel.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 16th, at 11:00 am in the St. Francis de Sales Church, 614 South Oakwood Avenue, Beckley. The Very Rev. Fr. Paul Wharton V.F. will be the celebrant. The family is receiving friends at 10:00 am at the church. The Rite of Committal will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Henry Dellamea, Chris McComas, Ernie Fonseco and Michael Shrewsbury will serve as pallbearers.
Joe D’Arco was a special person in the eyes of his family and will be extremely missed. “Riposare in Pace” May he rest in Peace.
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