David Joseph Taranto, Sr. passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 at the age of 68.
David was a native of Biloxi, Mississippi and a longtime resident of D’Iberville, Mississippi. He was a graduate of D’Iberville High School and attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston Campus. He was a part of the 1971 Perk Football National Championship Team. He retired from Winn Dixie as Meat Market Manager and was Owner and Operator of Taranto’s Shop In and Crawfish House. He was known in the community as an honest and generous man, almost to a fault at times. He was a hard-working man who made a positive impact on the lives of others. He had a strong moral compass and was someone who could be counted upon to follow through with his word.
He shared his father’s passion for raising game chickens and boxing. He not only participated in boxing, but had been a boxing judge since 1999. He also enjoyed traveling and being outdoors. What he enjoyed the most in his life was spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Arnold Taranto, Sr., and his mother, Trula Tapper Taranto; his granddaughter, “Baby Girl” Cook; and brother, Anthony Arnold Taranto, Jr.
He is survived by his son, David Taranto, Jr., his daughter, Danielle Taranto Cook; his grandchildren, Ethan Cook and Dawson Cook; brother, Tommy Taranto (Brenda); sister, Sheila Taranto Borries (Ralph); brother, Patrick Taranto; and numerous nieces and nephews that loved him as much as he loved them.
A family visitation will be held from 9:30-10:00am on Saturday, February 8, 2020, followed by visitation for the public from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi. A service will begin at 12:00pm. Interment will be at Taranto Cemetery at the corner of Highway 15 and Railroad Creek Road. A reception will follow at the D’Iberville Community Center located at 10452 Lamey Bridge Rd, D'Iberville, MS 39540.
A heartfelt thank you to the friends in Louisiana who were with our Dad and stayed with him until we were able to get there. We appreciate all the outpouring of love and support that has been shown to our family.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi is in charge of the arrangements. 228-374-5650