Born in Brooklyn, New York, D'Arco's criminal career started at age 14, when he beat another boy with brass knuckles. At age 15, he dropped out of high school. D'Arco became a low level Lucchese associate during the 1950s when the family was headed by boss Gaetano Lucchese. D'Arco was eventually convicted on drug-related charges and spent several years in prison. After his release, D'Arco returned to the Lucchese family, which was then run by Anthony Corallo. In 1982, D'Arco became a "made man" in the Lucchese family and a soldier in the Brooklyn-based crew of caporegime Paul Vario. D'Arco became involved in bookmaking, loansharking, occasional drug deals, and other criminal activities. During his criminal career, D'Arco would be involved in ten murders.