Retired N.J. Police Officer who Raised $23K Annually for Kids with Cancer Dies

It’s been a month since he died, but the people of Paterson still haven’t gotten over the loss of David D’Arco, the retired police sergeant who raised thousands of dollars to support kids with cancer before his death last month.

D’Arco, 51, of Mount Arlington, died on Feb. 17 from cancer, months after retiring from the force after 25 years - 14 of them spent spearheading the department’s “no shave” charity event that raked in close to $23,000 annually for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

David’s passing was pretty devastating,” said Angel Jimenez, president of the Paterson Policemen’s Benevolent Association. “He was very passionate and a huge advocate for raising money for St. Jude’s. He’ll be missed.”

The nonprofit St. Jude’s, based in Memphis, Tennessee, focuses on finding cures for children with cancer and other diseases, according to its website. The hospital treats children without regard for a family’s ability to pay for care.

Jimenez said supporting St. Jude’s was near and dear to D’Arco’s heart because he struggled with cancer.

D’Arco’s last fundraiser for St. Jude’s was in January 2023, shortly before he retired.

“One of my proudest days of the year,” D’Arco told NorthJersey.com after his annual “no shave” fundraiser, where officers forego shaving to raise money for cancer research, generated $25,000.

St. Jude’s area executive director, Cynthia Gardner, spoke highly of D’Arco.

“David was a beloved member of our St. Jude family and a regular presence at our annual St. Jude Walk/Run in New Jersey,” she said. “It was always special to see David and his fellow police officers lifting children onto their police cycles or showing them a tank they had on display. Cameras snapped, and families smiled. David’s smile was always the biggest.

“He frequently shared his wisdom with our St. Jude Leadership Society, a group of high school students in New Jersey, and was a year-round fundraiser for the mission,” she added. “He will be missed but never forgotten.”

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said he was thankful to have known D’Arco.

“Our hearts are very heavy in Paterson,” he said. “After battling cancer for more than 13 years, he’s finally at peace with the lord. We are grateful for his service to our city and his tireless dedication to raising awareness to cancer.”

D’Arco’s family declined to comment.

But the love for D’Arco shined on social media.

On the Paterson police department’s Facebook page, many expressed sympathy over his passing.

“He was a great guy, our friend and family,” said Johanna Ricca in a Facebook post. “He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.

Another poster, Melinda DeChellis, added, “A true hero that taught us about bravery, faith and kindness! My heart is broken, but he will never be forgotten!”

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