Saratoga Springs, NY - Joseph Tarantino Jr. died peacefully at his home after a brief illness Monday, December 5, 2011.
A lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs, Joe was born March 6, 1935, to the late Joseph Tarantino Sr. and Catherine Dominick. He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1953 and St. Bonaventure University in 1957. Joe continued on to Artillery and Guided Missile School in Fort Sill, OK, as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and went on to serve as an instructor at Ft Dix, NJ. After his active Army career, he served in the NY National Guard as a 1st Lieutenant. For many years Joe was a member of Company B located at the Lake Avenue Armory and trained at Ft. Drum, now the home of the 10th Mountain Division. Joe and his father, Joseph Tarantino Sr., were partners in Tarantino Insurance Agency for many years during which time he built the new Sutton and Tarantino Building on Division St. He also renovated and managed the Niagara Mohawk Building on Federal Street which was originally built by his father for the New York Telephone Company. Joe was also a special agent for Northwestern Life Insurance Company during his entire insurance career.
Joe loved Saratoga and as a young boy he shined shoes and worked at the Saratoga Springs Race Track back in the good old days of Saratoga. He was a member of the Saratoga Wilton Elks Club, the Saratoga Knights of Columbus and the Principessa Elena Society. Joe was an avid golfer and member of the McGregor Links Golf Club and Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. He played many fabulous courses located in Florida, California, New York, Bermuda and Hawaii.
Joe was a wonderful person, father and friend and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Mary Ellen Tarantino; daughters, Sue Jeffreys and Joanne Tarantino; grandchildren, Andrew and Mia Jeffreys and Aspen Witt; and sister, Patricia Passaro.
At Joe’s request there will be no public calling hours or funeral services. A private service will take place at the convenience of the family.
A special thank you to Hospice nurse Kelli Foley.
Donations may be made in Joseph’s name to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
