John D'Arco Sr. (March 27, 1912 – October 27, 1994) was an American politician, who was involved in organized political corruption, illegal gambling and prostitution activities in Chicago, Illinois, US.[1]
John D'Arco | |
|---|---|
| Chicago alderman from the 1st ward | |
| In office 1952–1963 | |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1945–1952 | |
| Chicago, Illinois First Ward Democratic Committeeman | |
| In office 1952–1992 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 27, 1912 Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Died | October 27, 1994 (aged 82) Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | John A. D'Arco Jr. |
Early life
editD'Arco was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 27, 1912 to parents of Italian ancestry. Growing up in the Near West Side, he allegedly developed connections with street gangs in Chicago's Little Italy, during the 1920s.[2]
Rise to power and politics
editBy 1951, D'Arco had already become a powerful Democratic ward boss of the 1st Ward and, in 1945, he was a Democratic Committeeman, as well. He also served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1945 to 1952 as a Democrat. He was known for providing protection to the Chicago criminal gangs, including the Chicago Outfit, and participating in a variety of criminal activities, ranging from organized corruption of city officials to prostitution.[1][2]
Later years, investigations, and death
editDuring the 1970s, D'Arco was investigated by the US federal government for his alleged involvement in an attempt to fix the 1977 murder trial of reputed hitman Harry Aleman, but he was never indicted. D'Arco died in Chicago, Illinois.[2][3]
References
edit- ^ a b Hillel., Levin (2015), When Corruption Was King How I Helped the Mob Rule Chicago, Then Brought the Outfit Down., Blackstone Audio Inc, ISBN 978-1-4830-4745-4, OCLC 885228196, retrieved 2021-03-21
- ^ a b c Illinois Blue Book 1949-1950, Biographical Sketch of John D'Arco, p. 167
- ^ Former 1st Ward Chief John D'arco Sr., Chicago Tribune, November 1, 1994
See also
edit- John A. D'Arco Jr., D'Arco's son, also a prominent Illinois politician
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