James D'Arcy
1916-Aug. 14, 2008
Menlo Park, California

James D'Arcy, a longtime resident of Menlo Park, died peacefully at home on Aug. 14 after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was 92.

Mr. D'Arcy was a native San Franciscan, born and raised in the Mission District. He often spoke of his days at St. Peter's School with the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers, and of his Jesuit education at St. Ignatius High School.

He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean/Middle East war zones during World War II. He was station superintendent and supervisor in the U.S. Postal Service in San Francisco for 42 years, and served the Postal Service in various management capacities, retiring in 1983.

Mr. D'Arcy was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Toastmasters of Redwood City, and SIRS of San Mateo. He was precinct inspector at the Little House polling place during every election for 10 years, his family said.

Mr. D'Arcy and his wife, Bernice, enjoyed traveling, often with postal groups to Reno, and to the Holy Land, Europe and Ireland, where they visited relatives. An avid reader of history, he would tell his daughters historical bedtime stories, his family said. He will be remembered for his gentleness, kindness and wit, said family members.

Surviving family members are his wife of 51 years, Bernice; daughters Anne and Maureen; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Tags: veteran, public service