PAT C. The city of Rio Rancho lost one of its most dedicated public servants on January 13, 2012 with the passing of former Mayor Pat D'Arco. Mayor D'Arco, born in New York on September 30, 1920, is survived by his wife, Bette D'Arco, and his beloved Yorkie, Angel; son, Joseph and wife Louise and their children, Jennifer, Danielle, John and Andrea of Bloomfield, NJ, son, Michael and his wife Viola and their sons, Michael Patrick, Vincent and Christopher of Albuquerque, NM, daughter, Janna Pfautz and husband Bob, daughter, Heather Goldhammer of Hot Springs, AR, daughter, Cathy Thompson and husband Carl, sons, James and Robert of Albuquerque, NM, daughter, Georgie Stuart and husband Clinton and their children, Shea and Lacy of Edmond, OK, son, Bill Little and wife Kathy and their son, Michael of Bosque; nephew, Tom Smith and wife Annie of Houston, TX; niece, Karen Nickelson and her husband Allen; sister-in-law, Penny McCann of Rio Rancho, NM. Mayor D'Arco also is survived by 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Reverend Father Andrew P. D'Arco and grandson, Galen E. Schildknecht. Mayor D'Arco's loss will also be felt by many loyal, supportive friends including Bill and Debbi Moore, Joe and Rose Maniaci, their son, and Mayor D'Arco's godson, Sal Maniaci, Mayor Tom Swisstack, Don and Dianne Chalmers and countless other friends too numerous to mention. Mayor D'Arco was instrumental in the development of the City of Rio Rancho. He served as both Mayor and City Councilor since moving to the area in 1974 from New Jersey. The move followed his retirement from an illustrious career with various United States Government entities concluding as Labor Council Advisor. Mr. D'Arco currently served as Chair of the City's Planning & Zoning Commission and as City representative to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). In 1981, D'Arco began his visionary political service as a City Councilor. While serving in this capacity he refused compensation and requested that his salary be used to fund the City's first annual 4th of July fireworks display. From 1990-1994, he served as the sixth mayor of Rio Rancho and he began attending the monthly NMDOT Commission meetings. The native of New York, Mr. D'Arco soon developed an even stronger vision behind improving transportation. He has served the Planning & Zoning Commission with its focus on the development of the City's transportation infrastructure. Because of the fruitful efforts and negotiations with the AMREP Corporation; D'Arco was able to get the corporation to donate the rights-of-way to widen NM 528 from US 550 to Northern Boulevard, a central road in the City. He was also instrumental in the partnership between Rio Rancho, Intel and NMDOT which resulted in the widening and improvements of NM 528. In 2007, a 9.7 mile section of NM 528 in Rio Rancho (from Westside Boulevard north to the junction of US 550) was renamed "Pat D'Arco Highway" by the NMDOT Commission. Additionally, he was instrumental in numerous other transportation initiatives such as the Northwest Loop, Unser and Paseo del Vulcan. Other projects he played an active role in include the Sports Complex, Rio Rancho High School, Hawk Site, Esther Bone Library and Presbyterian Health Care's first presence in Rio Rancho. To the time of his death, Mayor D'Arco's commitment and efforts continued to play a vital and instrumental role in the development of the City. A disabled World War II Veteran with service in the Pacific Theater was a member of many organizations including the Elks Lodge, American Legion Post 118, St. Thomas Aquinas Church and a life member of the Disable American Veterans. A Visitation will be held from 11:30 am - 5:30 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Sara Road Chapel, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. The Family will be receiving guests from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm. A Rosary will be recited and led by Deacon Frank Smith, at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Church of the Incarnation, 2309 Monterrey Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, January 19, 2012 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, the Celebrant will be Monsignor Douglas Raun, 1502 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. Entombment will take place immediately following the mass at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Pat's honor to the Animal Humane Society of New Mexico at www.ahanm.org or 615 Virginia Street SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, 505-255-5523 or the charity of your choice. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit: www.danielsfuneral.com Mr. D'Arco's care entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87124 505-892-9920
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