Mr. Terry Michael Taranto's Obituary
It is with heavy heart that the family of Terry Michael Taranto note his unexpected passing on Saturday, April 25, 2009.
Terry was born in Spangler, Pennsylvania on August 17, 1954, to Anthony Thomas Taranto and Elizabeth Jean Taranto (nee McCombie). He graduated high school in 1972 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus in criminal justice from the University of Maryland in 1976. On July 24, 1982, he was united in marriage to Maryanne Jekowsky (nee Lutza) in St. Petersburg, Florida. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Ashley. Terry's interest in criminal justice led him to a life-long career as a police officer in St. Petersburg, Florida from which he retired in 2008. He had previously spent several years serving as a security officer with the federal government. Most recently, Terry was employed as the Chief of Police for Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona.
In his younger years, Terry enjoyed participating in sports with a special interest in basketball. An untimely injury prevented him from playing at the collegiate level. Terry could often be found watching sports on the television, especially a baseball game if the Tampa Bay Rays were playing. As an enthusiast of the outdoors, Terry enjoyed hiking and long walks in which he explored various points of interest in Arizona and the Southwest. Terry loved spending time with his family, including his best friend, the family dog, Buddy. Terry always enjoyed playing a round of golf, traveling to new places and making others laugh with his lighthearted nature. Terry will be most remembered for his sense of humor and his genuine desire to help others, both professionally as well as personally.
Terry and Maryanne were happily married for 26 years. Tragically, Maryanne joined Terry in passing on April 25, 2009. Terry is survived by his daughter Ashley Taranto of San Francisco, CA; his brother Marc Taranto and his wife Stacy Taranto of Sterling, VA and by his nieces Sara Taranto, Hanna Taranto of Warrenton, VA and nephew Noah Taranto of Cumberland, MD. The funeral service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home located at 5750 49th Street N in St.Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, May 3rd at 12:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in honor of Terry and Maryanne to the following local community organizations:
The Pinellas Education Foundation
12090 Starkey Rd
Largo, FL 33773
(727) 588-4816
http://www.pinellaseducation.org/
or
The Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association
14141 46th Street N, Ste 1205
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: (727) 532 - 1722
http://www.pinpba.com/
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