Antonio Tarantola

Antonio "Tony" Tarantola, 86, passed away August 27 at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Tony was born April 16, 1926 in Cheyenne to Antonio and Maria di Corte Tarantola. He graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1944 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. Upon returning from duty with the Navy, Tony was accepted into a machinist apprenticeship program at the Union Pacific Railroad, which he successfully completed. In 2010, Tony participated in the Wyoming Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. celebrating WWII Veterans. Mrs. Tarantola may be reached at 631-4529. On July 3, 1947, Tony married Mary G. Hoke, daughter of Chet and Gladys Hoke of Cheyenne. Together they have five children. He later joined his father-in-law in the insurance business, providing insurance coverage to railway employees across Wyoming through Trust Mark, formerly Benefit Association of Railway Employees (B.A.R.E). On several occasions he was honored as salesman of the year. He retired after 41 years in the business. He enjoyed fishing, working on his cabin, fixing anything that needed fixed, and spending time with his children and their families. Tony and Mary also enjoyed their Caribbean cruise, trips to Hawaii, Jamaica and other vacations that were provided as rewards for his good work selling insurance. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Steve Terry, Carl Tarantola, and Pete Tarantola, all of Cheyenne, and sisters Mary Tarantola Tonning of Kennewick, Washington, and Tillie Tarantola Pruett of Yakima, Washington. Tony is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary, and children Bryan Tarantola of Jackson Hole, Bob Tarantola and Carol of Casper, John Tarantola and Jim Duffy of Denver, Kathi Tarantola and John McBride of Cheyenne, and Chris Tarantola and Tricia of Cheyenne. Grandchildren include Kristi Tarantola-Krembs (Fritz) of Evergreen, Colorado, Geoff Tarantola (Joanna) of Springville, UT, Todd Tarantola of Yamagata, Japan, Anthony Tauchen (Jenna) of Las Vegas, Andrew Tauchen of Denver, Allison Tauchen (fiancé Casey Yunko) of Denver, Isabella Tarantola of Cheyenne, Josh and Julie Tyler of Colorado. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday at Schrader Funeral Home noon until 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday 2:00 p.m. in Schrader Chapel with Father Tom Cronkleton, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Beth El Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.schraderfuneral.com. The family suggests memorials be sent to Cheyenne Animal Shelter or a preferred charitable organization.

Service

Friday, August 31, 2012 2:00pm

Schrader Chapel

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Visitation

Thursday, August 30, 2012 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Schrader Funeral Home

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Interment

Beth El Cemetery

Pershing Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001