Jerry R. Tarantino, 78, of Hartford, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 at his residence.
A mass was held on Saturday, Jan. 20 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hartford and cremation took place following the service. Donations in memory of Jerry may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to the North Berrien Firefighters Association. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so by using the “Guestbook” link at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Jerry was born Feb. 10, 1945 in Benton Harbor to Paul and Bernice (Cook) Tarantino. He retired from Whirlpool Corporation after 36 years of service. He also retired as Assistant Fire Chief from Coloma Fire Department. As a very patient family man, Jerry was an avid fisherman and hunter who enjoyed sharing those traits with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Karen (McCrery) Tarantino whom he married June 12, 1965; a son, Robert (Lenie) Tarantino of Mattawan; four daughters, Kerri (Bill) Cahill of Kalamazoo, Lori (Jeff) Kreitner of Coloma, Nanci Tarantino of Edwardsburg, and Tammi Tarantino of Kalamazoo. Also surviving are two brothers, Ross (Bernadette) Tarantino of New Brighton, MN and Tom (Debbie) Tarantino of Coloma; two sisters, Judy (Gary) Maynard of St. Joseph and Linda (Tom) Finch of Williamsburg, MI; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Tarantino, and grandsons Michael Gaipa and Joshua Cahill.