John J. Taranto, 89, formerly of East Main Street, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 in Macungie, PA.
Born October 9, 1919 in Norwich, John was the son of Joseph and Bartola (Zieno) Taranto. After attending the Norwich Schools, John completed an apprenticeship at lineman school in Oneonta. He served with the 26th Signal Battalion during World War II, fighting in the battles of Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy and the Rhineland. John was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, John worked for NYSEG for almost 40 years, retiring in 1983 as Chief Lineman.
He was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and the former Holy Name Society. John was also a member of the Elks Lodge. During his leisure hours, he enjoyed playing golf, bowling and spending time with his family and his many friends.
On August 10, 1946, in St. Bartholomew’s Church, John married Mary Natoli, who survives. He is also survived by his three daughters, their spouses and children, daughter Margaret Kosowsky of Summerville, SC and children, Debra LaBelle, Mary Jane Vautrin and Kevin Kosowsky; daughter, Rosanne and Steven Teders and their children, Jesssica and Rachel, of Wescosville, PA and daughter, Mary Kay and Scott Derby and their children, Claire and Samantha of Clifton Park, NY; 4 great grandchildren and a niece and a nephew. John was predeceased by his sister, Grace Smith.
A Mass of Resurrection for John will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, August 17, 2009 at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday from 4-6 pm. The rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: http://wilsonfh.com.
{ 9 } Comments
Mary, Margaret, Rosanne and Mary Kay – I have so many fond memories of John. We all go back a long way. I know my parents will be waiting with open arms to welcome him home! My deepest sympathies to you and all you hold dear.
Dear Mary Kay & family,
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember what a nice man he was growing up in Norwich. You and I used to call eachother cousins! Remember?
Take care, and please keep in touch.
Hi Maggie – I am so sorry to hear that your dad
died. I never knew your mom or him very well when we were “kids” growing up. But I do remember hearing you speak of him frequently. You are so fortunate to have had your dad all these years. We lost our parents 10 years ago in an auto accident. Theywere in their early 70’s. So to know that you had your dad until he was in his late 80’s seems wonderful. Please give my sympathy to your mom & sisters and you will all be in our prayers.
Bob Evans
PS We certainy had some great times together in school didn’t we Maggie.
Margaret,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I remember him as being such a nice man, as well as having a birthday just before mine!! I lost both my parents a few years back, three months apart. It changes your perspective on things. I find myself now back in Norwich, back on Birdsall St. Remember when you lived next door down at the Cider Mill? Please give my condolences to your Mom and sisters. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Jane Panaro Loucy
Dear MaryKay – I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
MK and family ~ I have found peace in the following prayer and would like to share it with you at this very difficult time in your lives:
When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little but not to long and not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we onced shared, Miss me – but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take and each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends you know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me-but let me go.
God Bless you all -
Mary, I just heard of John’s passing and am sorry I did not hear about it sooner as I would have come to the calling hours. I have thought about you and John often and Marilyn K has kept me informed at times how you were doing. I am retired now and watching my great-granddaughter in Oxford. May John rest in peace. Regards, Cora
Margaret, I was so sorry to hear about your fathers passing and was thank ful that I was able to accompany you and your family to help you through this difficult time. I know that you, your 3 children, their spouses and your 5 grandchildren will miss him.
Mary Kay & Scott:
I just found out about your dad’s death. My father didn’t tell me. I’m so sorry. He was such a wonderful man. I’ll never forget all of the things he did for us when we were kids. My sincere apologies – I just didn’t know.
Love
Sue
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