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TUCKAHOE, N.Y. -- Tuckahoe High School Varsity Football Coach John D'Arco is used to leading the Tuckahoe Tigers on the field. On Sunday he will be leading marchers down the street.
D'Arco, 60, who grew up in Eastchester, will lead the annual Eastchester-Tuckahoe Columbus Day Parade as Grand Marshall Sunday beginning at 3:30 pm. The Parade begins at Immaculate Conception Church and ends at Lake Isle.
"It's very emotional for me," D'Arco said. "I have been watching all these special people who have been honored over the years, and now they are honoring me."
D"Arco himself played varsity football for Eastchester High School in 1966, 1967 and 1968 as a linebacker and a running back.
He began his coaching career with Tuckahoe High School 37 years ago.
"We appreciate all he has done for our kids over the years," said Tuckahoe High School Principal Dr. Bart Linehan. "And, of course, he is an amazing coach bringing us to five state championships."
D'Arco's wife of more than 35 years, LuAnn Marra D'Arco, can trace her family back four generations in Tuckahoe, and notes that her dad was captain of the Tuckahoe football team in 1949, 1950 and 1951.
"We are all so proud of John, " said LuAnn D'Arco. "All of the family will be involved and it will be super."
D'Arco said being Grand Marshall will be a family affair with his wife and granddaughter riding in the Grand Mashall car with him.
"It's going to be great to be there with my wife and granddaughter," he said. "Just a very special day."
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