Robert Tarantula
Robert (Bob T.) Tarantula, 73 of Ronks, Pa. went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his Patron Saint, Saint Ann with his beloved wife Carolyn by his side.
Bob was born March 30, 1950 in Jersey City, NJ and was raised in Hoboken, NJ where he attended Saint Ann’s Catholic Grammar School, A. J. Demerest Junior H. S. and Hoboken Sr. H.S. His education continued at Saint Peter’s University Evening Division where he earned a BS in Business Management with Certifications in Management Information Systems and System Analysis. While continuing his employment during the day he went on to achieve an MBA in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickerson University. To enhance his professional qualifications and skills Bob also attended William & Mary for Advanced Executive Management and MIT for Business Engineering.
Professionally he launched his career at Chase Manhattan Bank becoming the youngest line supervisor in Bank History. Growing in both his career and ambition he moved on to Faberge Fragrance and A&P Tea Company as a Methods and Procedure Analyst and Troubleshooter. His career flourished when he was employed by Sterling Drug where he designed systems to improve work flow. Using his education and skills he eventually established his own Consulting Firm landing multiple year Contracts with Crum and Forster,
Bob had many and varied interests in life. While at Saint Peter’s he joined Alpha Phi Omega Pi-Tau Chapter and remained active throughout his life. He organized scores of activities attempting to keep the Fraternity together throughout their lives. His proudest accomplishment was an annual “FRAT Shore Weekend” which ran for over 25 years. He found time to give back to Saint Peter’s University by being on the Alumni Board of Trustees for six years. He was also an active and respected member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bob first joined the Knights in 1998 at the Queen of Peace Council in his hometown of North Arlington NJ. He moved through the Office Chairs and eventually served as Grand Knight for two years. In 2000 he joined the Fourth Degree which is the Patriotic Arm of the Knights. Again, he rose through the ranks and eventually became Faithful Navigator and Assembly Commander of the Honor Guard. He was elected to the Bergen County Chapter for a 3-year term.
Bob’s other interests included hunting, Ham Radio – Call Sign N2IYY where he held an Extra Class License and an FCC Radio License. In 2010 Bob was asked by the North Arlington Chief of Police to head up a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to assist in local emergencies. Of course, both he and Carol jumped in with both feet.
In 2014 Bob and Carol moved to the quiet countryside of Ronks Pa. and achieved a lifelong goal in 2018 when they purchased a home in Winter Haven Florida. Officially gaining the title of Snowbirds.
They enjoyed their leisure time Camping, Cruising, Atlantic City Casinos as well as Concerts and Plays
Bob was predeceased by his parents Albert R. Tarantula Jr. And Carmella (nee) Meranda, Tarantula. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife Carolyn, his two children Lynn and Lauren who both reside in NJ along with his extended family Theresa, Joseph, and Melissa; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Bob and Carol would like to thank the members of Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, the Lancaster General Hospital Doctors Schmit, Brennan and Sieber for their compassionate care over the last several years.
While we mourn the loss of Bob who was a True Friend and Leader we must also celebrate his full and Accomplished Life and the love he shared.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday December 1, 2023, 11 AM at: Saint Catherine of Siena R. C. Church, 955 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, Pa 17566.