Joseph Tarantino

Joseph Tarantino, 73, of Toms River, NJ, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020, after a sudden illness.  Born on May 26, 1947 in Newark, NJ, to the late Frank and Alfreda (Baszak) Tarantino, Joe lived in Freehold NJ until moving to Toms River twenty years ago.  Joe proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy from 1966 through 1972 during the Vietnam War.  While serving in the Navy, Joe was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.  During his life, Joe was both a business owner (Ambassador World Travel and Pal-Tar Builders) and a General Contractor, and was a parishioner at St. Maximillian Kolbe RC Church in Toms River. 

Joe married the love of his life, his “Lady,” Jeanette Tarantino (Lanzone) on November 5, 1983.  He was a devoted husband, who loved to travel with Jeanette and their friends.  Everyone who knew Joe described him as a wonderful friend and family man.  Joe always put others before himself and would gladly lend a hand or provide advice and guidance to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. 

 At the time of his death, Joe was retired and enjoyed gardening with Jeanette, boating with friends, and relaxing at home with Jeanette and their dog, Mia.  He was a loving Husband, devoted Father and Grandfather, and wonderful Brother, Brother-in-Law, and Uncle. 

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alfreda Tarantino.  He is survived by his loving Wife, Jeanette Tarantino; his devoted children, daughter, Ginine Hanco and  her husband Luis; son, Vincent Gizzi; and four cherished grandchildren: Daniel (Danny) Hanco; Alexandra (Alexx) Hanco; Vincent (Vinnie) Gizzi, Jr., and Carmine Gizzi.  Joe is also survived by his sister Carol Smith and her husband Patrick, sister Barbara Ann Tarantino, niece Amanda, nephew Kyle and his wife Elena, and their children Odin and Leo.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, July 25, 2020 from 2 to 4 pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River, NJ 08755.  A Funeral Service will be offered at the funeral home at 4 pm.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s memory to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

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