Paul F. Taranto

Paul F. Taranto, 66, a Norwich native, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Born on May 16, 1955, Paul was the son of Angelo T. and Frances M. (Scafidi) Taranto. After graduating from Norwich High School, Paul earned an associate’s degree from Morrisville State University. Immediately after graduating, Paul began work at his parents’ restaurant, the Blue Bird, on North Broad Street. He was the restaurant’s chef and then manager before it closed in the mid-1990’s. Paul then went to work as a diet aide at the Chenango Memorial Hospital where he would work for the next 22 years until a severe stroke ended his ability to work.

Paul always remained close to the friends he made while attending the university. He was also a die-hard Star Trek fan. Paul was fond of visiting the Turning Stone casino and betting on horses at the Vernon Downs race track. He was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church.

Paul is survived by his siblings, Rosalie (Gary) Gibbon, of Norwich, and Joseph (Debra) Taranto, of South New Berlin; nieces, Lee Ann Papelino, of Sherburne, and Marlene (Brian) Williams, of Syracuse, Amy Beth Hayes, of Syracuse; nephews, Steven (Angelica) Papelino, of New Mexico, Joseph A. (Chantana) Taranto Jr., and Thomas Taranto, each of Syracuse; and two great-nephews. Paul was predeceased by his brother, Thomas.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Paul will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, where the Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Due to the increase in COVD cases in the area, social distancing and the wearing of facial covering is recommended.

Paul’s family expresses its sincere gratitude to the staff of the Chenango Memorial nursing home and hospital for the compassionate care they provided Paul during this residence there.

Contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to the Church of St. Bartholomew Memorial Fund, 73 E. Main St., Norwich, NY 1385.