Gary’s life began Oct. 21, 1951, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet with many happy memories surrounding Big Paw Paw Lake in Watervliet.
Gary graduated from Watervliet High School and Lake Michigan College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. While home on leave he met and fell in love with Eula Whitaker, they were looking forward to celebrating 50 years of marriage this October. Gary loved his family and spending time with them doing things like; going hunting with his son Bryan, attending the Michigan/Notre Dame games with his daughter Erica, watching his grandchildren in all their activities, golfing with his brother Bruce, and giving his sister Gail golf lessons.
Gary leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory including: his wife Eula (Whitaker) Tarantino; daughter Erica (John) Ledesma; son Bryan (Siara) Tarantino; two granddaughters, Alexis Tarantino and Taran Ledesma; two grandsons, Dennis Ledesma and Gabriel Tarantino; a brother Bruce (Judy) Tarantino; a sister Gail Kessler; several nieces and nephews; his hunting partner Larry Dillenbeck; golf partner Jim Eubanks; lifelong friend Dianne Jordan; and the Gibson Family.
Gary died Monday, July 29, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Bev Tarantino, a grandson Collin Andrew Tarantino, and a brother-in-law, Gary Kessler.
Hutchins Funeral Home is assisting Gary’s family with cremation. Memorials may be made in Gary’s name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Gary’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.
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