Emilio "Chick" Peter D'Arpino

Emilio, fondly known as “Chick” to most, was born to Peter and Julia D’Arpino in Newark, New Jersey. Chick was the 5th of 6 children born to Peter and Julia and was born a twin. Sadly, his brother did not survive, but, Chick certainly did! The family moved from New Jersey to San Jose, California in 1945, where he remained in the same home until his passing. Living in the same home for 80 years, it is not difficult to imagine all the friends he made. Everyone knew Chick!

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, during the Korean Conflict. He was a bricklayer by trade, along with his Father, Brother Angelo and Nephew Bradley. It was a family trait he would be proud of his entire life. There were many times he’d pass by a brick wall and stop to admire it. Over his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, he would show us many of his projects all around the San Jose Area that he had worked on. He was particularly proud of the Villa Felice in Los Gatos.

Chick married Sharon Rickman in 1963 and had two daughters, Cathy and Marci, born in 1964 and 1965. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Chick became very involved with the Philosophy Department and Professors at San Jose State and Stanford Universities and was very active with them until his passing. This was his true calling. The Professors and Students were very special to him and he was so appreciative of their friendship.

When Chick’s two grandchildren came along, there aren’t enough words to describe what an impact their Pop had in their lives. His grandson, Andrew, and granddaughter, Shelby, are so thankful for all the years they had with him. He was recently blessed with a great granddaughter, Vivian, in January, 2025. In these last months, he wasn’t able to get around much, so, Vivian came to see him! If there was such a person that “never met a stranger”, it was Chick. It is hard to imagine all the people he touched over his 91 years and how many will miss him. As time goes on, there will be many reminders to keep in our hearts to keep his memory alive. Chick had a lot of sayings, but, the two that are most fitting now are “Bye Kids” & “I’ll see ya when I see ya.”

Chick was preceded in death by his Father Peter, Mother Julia, Brothers John and Angelo, Sisters Ann, Genevieve and Jeannie. He is survived by his Daughter Cathy DeLaMare (Kirk), Daughter Marci D’Arpino, Grandson Andrew DeLaMare (Megan), Granddaughter Shelby DeLaMare and Great-Granddaughter Vivian DeLaMare. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends whom he loved dearly. Per his wishes, there will be no formal services, he asked that we gather together as a family, which will be done at a later date.