Joseph E. Taranti, Sr., also known as “Big Joe” of Stoneham, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016 after a lengthy illness. Beloved husband of 43 years to Geraldine (Barrasso). Loving father of Stephanie King and her husband Matthew of Reading, Joseph Taranti, Jr. and his wife Nicole of Derry, NH, Danielle Taranti and her partner Stephen Falwell of Tewksbury and Gina Taranti and her partner Jivani Cassar of Woburn. Loving Papa to Lauren and Patrick King and Alyssa and Juliana Taranti. Dear brother of James Michael Taranti of Revere and Thomas Taranti and his wife Amy of Stoneham. Also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Joe was born at Somerville Hospital on April 7, 1951 to Vincent and Alice (DelVisco) Taranti. He was raised in Medford and was known as gentle Ben in his younger years. He graduated from Medford Vocational High School in 1969. He worked at Bill’s Superette, delivering groceries, where he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Gerry. Joe and Gerry got married in September, 1973. They lived in Medford for 6 years. He started a successful career as owner/driver of a canteen catering truck, Ice Tea 2. They moved to Stoneham after his first daughter, Stephanie was born. Joey, Danielle and Gina soon rounded out their big family. They lived in Stoneham for 35 years.
Joe loved his business. He worked hard every day to provide everything his family could ever want. He looked forward to yearly trips to Maine with friends for hunting and good laughs. He was always eager for weekend and holiday BBQ’s in the backyard with family and friends. He will always be remembered for his belly flops into the pool. He loved summer trips to Hampton Beach and nightly concerts at the shell. He enjoyed coaching his son’s sports teams and watching all of his children’s activities from soccer, baseball/softball, hockey, volleyball and dance.
Joe’s life was his family. He was a man full of fun and laughter. He loved being surrounded by his children and their families. Having grandchildren was the icing on the cake. All four grandkids adored their Papa. He was never without kisses and hugs. Despite his declining health over the past few years, he continued to crack jokes and be present among family and friends as much as possible.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Thursday, January 5th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central Street, Stoneham, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at St. Patrick Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit at the funeral home on Wednesday 4 – 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the American Diabetes Assoc. 10 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.