Neighbors Spotlight: NewAntioch Rotary president contributes through work in many nonprofits

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name: Darien Croce

Occupation: Financial adviser for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Marital status/family: Croce lives in Brentwood with his wife of five years, Stephanie, who works in human resources for PG&E in Antioch. Croce and his wife have two sons, Alex, 7, and Miles, 4.
Croce said that his single mom raised him and he owes a lot of who he is to her.

"My mom, Linda Barba, raised me to be compassionate and helped to mold me into who I am today," he said. "It wasn't because we were better off financially; she just taught me to give my time and help others."

Proudest civic achievement: This month Croce is taking over the position of president of the Antioch Afternoon Rotary Club. This is a one-year term. Croce is replacing former President Allen Payton.
"I found out that I'm the youngest club president for this club," Croce said. "I am real gratified and touched that they asked me."

Croce said the Rotary impacts and touches so many people and hopes to play a big role in how that plays out this year.

"It is a wonderful feeling that they would pick me, especially since I've only been a member for three years," he said.

As president, Croce will be working on fundraising for their many causes, including a scholarship program for Antioch high school students and Los Medanos College students. The Rotary also has an annual golf tournament in May that is a fundraiser that they use to raise money for the clubs national programs.

Each year the Rotary also puts together an art show in October to raise money for Opportunity Junction, an Antioch organization that helps fight poverty by helping low-income adults gain the skills and confidence to support themselves.

Future achievement: Croce hopes to work with his fellow Rotarians for the betterment of Antioch.

"I want to work differently this year by getting a bit more sweat equity from our members," he said.

"There are a lot of things that need to be updated, painted and rebuilt that will help us get noticed for the work we do in the community and our other efforts."

Groups and organizations involved in: Aside from the Rotary Club, Croce is also involved with a group called International Fund, which provides water filters and supplies for African communities. Members also help with dental and vision care in Africa.

Croce also works for an organization called Safe Blood Project, which works on a blood filtration program in Africa to make sure there is a safe supply of blood in hospitals and clinics.
Croce became active and is working on the board of the California Wounded Warriors.

"As a former Marine I can identify with the wounded veterans and want to help where I can," he said.

The group works to identify wounded veterans and help with job placement where possible. Members also work with severely wounded soldiers in getting them food and needed supplies.
Finally, he works with the Surf Riders Foundation, an organization that works to keep beaches clean.

Hobbies: Croce's No. 1 hobby is playing golf. He also likes to take his children out exploring and to different sporting events.

What was the last book you read?: "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcolm Gladwell.

"It is really a good book. It centers on gut intuition and judges perception of the decisions made in a split second," he said.

Favorite movie: With a stepfather from Italy, Croce says he watched "The Godfather" series a dozen or more times when he was growing up.

"I know the dialogue word for word," he said.

He also said as a former Marine, he thinks "Full Metal Jacket" is one of the best movies ever made.

— Roni Gehlke