John D'Arc

By VARIETY STAFF

John D'Arc, who began his career as a singer in the 1940s and later essayed numerous roles on the stage, died Sunday of a heart attack while rehearsing for a show at the Riverside Community Players Theater. He was 60.

Born Dominic Manfredi, he changed his name to John D'Arc as a teenager after performing at venues including the Copacabana. He later played the New York's Catskill resorts and segued to television, appearing on such programs as "The Milton Berle Show" and "The All Star Review."

He performed with numerous celebs, including Don Knotts, Jimmy Durante, Ed Wynn, Joey Bishop, Mike Douglas, Danny Thomas and Johnny Mathis.

In the early 1960s, he joined the Four Lads vocal group, performing with them for 20 years. During the '70s, he toured with the Four Freshman and the Ink Spots. In 1979, he and his family moved to California. He had recently completed a role in the movie "Coyote."

D'Arc was last seen as Uncle Billy in the Riverside Civic Light Opera production of "It's a Wonderful Life," and he had signed to direct Herb Gardner's "A Thousand Clowns" for the Riverside Community Players.

He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

A tribute will be held at 4:30 p.m. todayat Riverside Community College's McDermont Hall. For further information, call [phone].