Josephine Jo Taranto
March 13, 1914 — October 8, 2008
Josephine �"Jo Taranto, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 surrounded by love and her family. She was 94. Born on March 13, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Annunziata Conetta Perella.
Jo married the late Roger P. Taranto in 1940. Josephine attended Stamford Public Schools, and was an exceptional seamstress who worked in �"Miss Annas Dress Shop as well as other local garment factories and shops for many years. Josephine and her husband, along with their sons, established the Moosehead Restaurant in Glenbrook, followed by Phoebes and then Tarantos. She was the heart and soul of each. Always remembered a name and had a smile for everyone.
Although small in stature, Jo was feisty and full of life. Josephine played basketball on a womens travel team in the 1930s. She was the founding member of the Heigh-Ho Club which met every week for over 50 years. She was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, Columbiettes and a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart RC Church and a member of their Rosary Society. Josephines motto was �"work hard but play too. Jo and her husband traveled extensively in the United States and Europe, spending many wonderful summers in Italy.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by two sisters: Lena Perella and Phyllis Perella Parahus; a brother, Daniel S. (Bodgy) Perella; her beloved youngest son, Richard A. Taranto in 1990 and his loving wife Maureen �"Reenie ONeill Taranto in 2007, both of whom left this world much too soon.
She is survived by her sons: Roger N. Taranto; Ronald D. Taranto; and Rogers former wife, Ruth Friend Taranto all of Stamford; Grandchildren: Debbie McGrath (Terrance); Denise Taranto all of Stamford; Roger G. Taranto (Judy) of Bethel; Michelle Qualls (Ted) of Fl; Zach Taranto; Lauren Taranto; Colleen Curran; Michelle Falco; Kathleen Zezima (Greg) all of Stamford; and Richard Taranto (Rebecca) of Fl. Grandma Jo also leaves ten great-grandchildren: Daniel McGrath; Danielle and Joseph Taranto; Tyler Qualls; Sam, Max and Kaylee Curran; Robert and Mia Rende; and the youngest, Maureen Elizabeth �"Baby Emme Taranto. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, godchildren and friends will cherish her memory and zest for life. Jo is also survived by her wonderful caregiver, Nelly DelaCruz, who made her last years comfortable and full of laughter.
Friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Monday, October 13, 2008 from 3 7 PM. A funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home at 9:50 AM on Tuesday, October 9 and proceed to Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made in memory of Reenie Taranto and Walter Friend to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038-4810.
Jo married the late Roger P. Taranto in 1940. Josephine attended Stamford Public Schools, and was an exceptional seamstress who worked in �"Miss Annas Dress Shop as well as other local garment factories and shops for many years. Josephine and her husband, along with their sons, established the Moosehead Restaurant in Glenbrook, followed by Phoebes and then Tarantos. She was the heart and soul of each. Always remembered a name and had a smile for everyone.
Although small in stature, Jo was feisty and full of life. Josephine played basketball on a womens travel team in the 1930s. She was the founding member of the Heigh-Ho Club which met every week for over 50 years. She was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus, Columbiettes and a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart RC Church and a member of their Rosary Society. Josephines motto was �"work hard but play too. Jo and her husband traveled extensively in the United States and Europe, spending many wonderful summers in Italy.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by two sisters: Lena Perella and Phyllis Perella Parahus; a brother, Daniel S. (Bodgy) Perella; her beloved youngest son, Richard A. Taranto in 1990 and his loving wife Maureen �"Reenie ONeill Taranto in 2007, both of whom left this world much too soon.
She is survived by her sons: Roger N. Taranto; Ronald D. Taranto; and Rogers former wife, Ruth Friend Taranto all of Stamford; Grandchildren: Debbie McGrath (Terrance); Denise Taranto all of Stamford; Roger G. Taranto (Judy) of Bethel; Michelle Qualls (Ted) of Fl; Zach Taranto; Lauren Taranto; Colleen Curran; Michelle Falco; Kathleen Zezima (Greg) all of Stamford; and Richard Taranto (Rebecca) of Fl. Grandma Jo also leaves ten great-grandchildren: Daniel McGrath; Danielle and Joseph Taranto; Tyler Qualls; Sam, Max and Kaylee Curran; Robert and Mia Rende; and the youngest, Maureen Elizabeth �"Baby Emme Taranto. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, godchildren and friends will cherish her memory and zest for life. Jo is also survived by her wonderful caregiver, Nelly DelaCruz, who made her last years comfortable and full of laughter.
Friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Monday, October 13, 2008 from 3 7 PM. A funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home at 9:50 AM on Tuesday, October 9 and proceed to Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made in memory of Reenie Taranto and Walter Friend to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038-4810.
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