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James Taravella Obituary
Beloved husband and best friend of Rosemarie Taravella, the best father a kid could ever want to Timothy N. and Allison D. Taravella, Jessica F. and Don W. Petree, Jr., and Rebekah Marie Taravella. Cherished grandfather of Zachary Gandolfo and Maximilian Ellsworth Taravella.
He was a very special uncle to Sarah, Christine and Michael Crana. Also surviving are his aunts, Jean Schier, Mary Benfante, Mary Taravella and his father-in-law, Cyril Tansey, Sr. He is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1949 to the late Adolph and Frances Taravella, his parents and grandparents moved to Vails Gate in 1951.
He attended St. Thomas of Canterbury and Saint Patrick's Schools, where he played baseball and basketball, two lifelong passions. He graduated from Manhattan College with a Bachelors of Arts in English. He received a Masters Degree from Fordham University.
For the past 32 years, he taught thousands of middle school students the joy of reading, writing and poetry. Additionally, he instilled a life-long passion in his family for reading, sports, and the importance of living a full life. He especially loved reading biographies and about civil war history.
"Father English" loved his students almost as much as his family. He started each school year with an overly dramatic reading of the "Tell-Tale Heart."
His quick wit and sense of humor made him a much-sought after master of ceremonies for the retirement parties of his colleagues. He is best remembered for singing "Mack The Knife" at wedding receptions throughout the tristate area.
An avid crossword puzzler, he competed against the clock to finish The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle.
"Coach T." devoted much of his life to instilling respect, loyalty and sportsmanship in all of his players. These young men were a second family to him and he always took pride in their accomplishments both on the field and off.
Jim and Rea raised three blessed children who cannot begin to fathom a life without him. Always a proud father, he was a constant source of joy, pride and love to Tim, Jessica and Becky. His two grandchildren, Zach and Max were the focus of so much of his pride and love. He was planning to teach them the joys of golf, basketball and baseball.
Known as "Hersti" or "Guido," Jim was a member of Osiris Country Club where he could be found more often than home when his kids tried to find him if the weather was remotely golf-friendly.
Friends and family may call at Coloni Funeral Home, Route 9W South, New Windsor on Sunday, December 17, 2006 from 2-8 p.m., where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2006.
Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Middlehope.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Taravella Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Scott Kendrik, Merrill Lynch, 50 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, NJ 07645.
Arrangements by White and Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd., Newburgh.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Taravella
anonymous
August 11, 2007
I do not know how i survived my 8th grade middle school year without mr. t
he was the coolest most amazing teacher anyone could possibly have! I still think his spirit lives on in the middle school. I hope all is well with his family
Jess -----
January 24, 2007
I would like to start off by saying that I am so sorry for your loss and would like to share a few memories. I had already known Mr.T for two years when he became my teacher. (He was my advisor) I had known him for two years, and so he took full advantage of that making me the target for many of his practical jokes. I have a few memories that I would like to share. The first being, we were in class and I had my purse on the crack between two desks. He sat next to me and moved out the desk making my purse fall and when I responded, “pick it up” he replied back… “THIS IS WHY YOU HAVE NO FRIENDS.” Besides being in awe I started laughing and he continued to explain to the rest of the class, why it was that I had no friends, apparently it was because, “I blame people for other things and don’t know how to say please.” He made an announcement that at the end of class any students, who wished to sign up to be my friend, should come see him after class, and he might even arrage extra credit. I have a sense of humor and was laughing to tears the whole time. This is one memory even thinking about right now brings a smile to my face. Another memory I have is Thursday mornings. Apparently Thursday mornings they would have free breakfast, and so, he had to take full advantage even if this meant coming 15 minutes late to advisory and having us all be locked out and having to say the plege in the hallway because he had the keys. After waiting for 15 minutes you would hear whistling, and here came the “old man,” as Mrs.Manno would put it. He would throw his keys down the hallway and usually be wearing one of those crazy hats; even right now I have no problem picturing it. The last memory I have that really sticks out..is, one morning walking in the door and seeing him hanging out his window, Mrs.Manno holding him up by his suspenders. When I walked in and asked what the heck he was doing she responded as she often did, “Who knows.” It turns out he was playing a practical joke on the class below us; this went on for the whole period. These are just three big memories, others would include his broken guitar he, “played” with the black sunglasses on, or even his, “Reasons why he hates kids.” Nonetheless your husband/dad changed English for me and was such an amazing person that could never be replaced. The halls will no longer hear things being thrown at walls or the screaming from his stories, which is something everyone will miss. It will be hard walking past his classroom when I go to visit old teachers as I often do, because Mr.T was one of those people you expected to live forever. Anyone would have been lucky to meet him but, “nothing gold can stay.” Mr.T will live on in my heart for ever as he will in to many others. Once again, I am So sorry for your loss.
John Lomax
December 28, 2006
Members of the Taravella family,
To receive condolences from someone you have never met and probably have never heard of must seem somewhat bizarre, but considering the number of persons whose lives he touched, it is not unusual. I first met Hersti in 1968 when we lived on the 5th floor of Jasper Hall at Manhattan College. The next 2 years we were next door neighbors at Overlook Manor. Hersti was unique and even though he tried to make himself seem the buffoon and the butt of his own jokes, he was really quite the thinker, even back then. He made our college years a real joy. I was honored to have him sponsor me for membership in our Pen & Sword society. Although we lost touch over the years, it does not surprise me at all to read of his many accomplishments as a teacher and a coach. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Conklin
December 22, 2006
I knew James from St.Thomas School many years ago. I am truly sorry for your loss-my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow.
Mark Bauman
December 19, 2006
Jim was born to teach and coach. He had an uncanny ability to relate to students in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. Jim always saw the good in people and approached situations with a "can do" attitude. Jim was a connsumate educator.The MW School District was extremely fortunate to have him as a valued member of their staff for more than thirty years.
Our lives were enriched by having the opportunity to know Jim. My thoughts and prayers this evening are with the Taravella family.
Patrick Stasolla
December 19, 2006
To the Taravella Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your loved ones. Jim was my 7th Grade Basketball coach 30 years ago, and I can remember him like it was yesterday. Jim was an inspiration to all the young people he worked with...a true educator. He will be truly missed.
Lee Cone
December 19, 2006
My sincere condolences go to Coach Taravella's family, your in our prayers. He was our New Windsor EPIPHANY HS JV, coach for a year or two in 74/75, he lead by example, he was man of charcter, a mentor. He gave a piece of himself, his vibrant, humorous soul to everyone who had to occasion to know him. He'll live on with his laugh and smile in our memories for generations.
Cindi Kirby Day (formerly Tansey)
December 19, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. You have always all been close to my heart and I feel your pain and loss. With deepest regrets,
anomyonus
December 18, 2006
Mr. Taravella was the funniest and nicest man I have ever met. He was my best friends advisor and I remember going to her advisory and see him singing and dancing around the classroom. I also remember hearing him throw chairs. he was a great man and I truly miss him.
Gail Jackson
December 18, 2006
I have had the pleasure of working with Jim for the past 22 years at the Monroe -Woodbury Middle school. In all those years all I ever heard or witnessed was sheer praise for a wonderfully funny, kind and compassionate man. Jim truly led by example! Jim was always willing to offer some kind words if he felt you needed them or a good laugh if that was in order. Jim's deep love and commitment to his family was always clear. To say that Jim will be missed is an understatement! My deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved Jim Taravella, especially the Taravella family
Michael Tomachek
December 18, 2006
Jess, Don and Family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. He made a lasting impression on me the few times I met him. Great memories from the the wedding, especially his singing. You're father was a great man. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Michele Fino
December 18, 2006
Dear Mrs. Taravella & Family,
My husband Neil is a member of the Osiris Country Club. He was so very shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's death. Both are teachers (Neil teaches at Marlboro High) and whenever they would see each other at the Club, would banter back and forth about when they were planning to retire as they both were contemplating it. Neil thought Jim was such a great guy. Our sincere sympathy to all of you.
Michele & Neil Fino Sr.
Brian Haessig
December 18, 2006
To the Taravella family, the Basketball Jones Boys would like to convey our deepest sympathies to you. Jim was a longtime member of our group at the State Basketball Tourney each March in Glens Falls. We had a lot of fun over the years on the "street of dreams" and Sandy's Clam Bar. He will be missed, for his wit, humor and friendship. Rest in Peace good friend, the Jones Boys will honor your memory.
Kristina Hinck
December 18, 2006
Mr. Taravella was one of those rare teachers that had more passion for teaching and for his students every day that he taught. He encouraged students to be creative. My favorite memory of him were his tissue boxes. He would write funny anecdotes about his students on the boxes and we couldn't wait to get to class to see what he had written. I always did wonder what happened to all those tissue boxes?!? He was a great man and a great teacher and I feel honored to have had the experience of learning from him. He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered for his love of teaching and his passion for humor.
Christine "day glow socks" Nicholson Ward
December 17, 2006
Mr. Taravella was an incredible and unique teacher. How many of us had teachers who took the time to give all students nicknames and entertain them? His classroom was a place that students felt comfortable and he encouraged us all to be our best. I still can remember a metaphor use assignment of mine that he read to the class after grading. I recall feeling very proud and special. I think of that experience and how it boosted my confidence for all the years since to write creatively and find enjoyment in doing so.
…And then I think about all the assignments he read aloud and all the lives he has touched.
Bill Iannone
December 17, 2006
When I first arrived at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School in ’84, I visited Jim’s classes and was treated to a special Jim Taravella student/teacher connection and a marvelous demonstration of outstanding, creative teaching. Jim’s ability to relate to young people was a special gift. Old, young, and in between will miss Jim but his influence will be carried on through his students as well as family and friends. My deepest sympathy.
Jane-Vett and Tetter Rogers
December 17, 2006
We were very saddened to hear of Jimmy's sudden passing. Although we haven't seen him for so many years, we always did and will continue to think of him with great fondness. Both my husband Tetter (who attended St. Pat's and Manhattan with Jim) and I have many wonderful memories of him...for me, I'll never forget him dancing the "Hersti shuffle" circa 1967. He certainly had a feel for life.
You are all in our thoughts, as is he.
Carole Tatar
December 17, 2006
I worked with Jim for many years at MW and he was the best teacher and friend. My husband Charlie and I send our sympathy to you and your family. Jim will be missed.
Conrad Collins
December 17, 2006
Dear Rose and Family,
All our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sudden loss of your beloved Jim. We've always enjoyed being with y'all and were looking forward to meeting up again, somewhere, sometime.
Until then, you all have our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Conrad & Jansje Collins
Jennifer Coloni
December 17, 2006
Becky and the Taravella family,
My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours...
Bryon Grigsby
December 17, 2006
The things I will remember most about Coach Taravella are his sense of humor and his never ending energy. Coach Taravalla followed our basketball team by being its coach from Middle School to the ninth grade and then became the assistant varsity coach with Ron Montalto when we became juniors. Throughout those years, we affectionately referred to Coach T as “Spud” in honor of Spud Webb, the shortest NBA player. Although Coach T was small in stature, he was huge in heart, and I think it was the combination of Coach T and Coach Montalto that made our team so formidable. While Coach Montalto was the father you never wanted to disappoint, Coach T was the father you could tell anything to and he would somehow make you feel better. He had a great love for his students and his sports, and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Elizabeth Sullivan
December 17, 2006
Mr.Taravella was the best teacher ever.Everytime you walked out of his room you were laughing.He will be greatly missed by all of his students and fellow teachers. We will never ever forget what a great teacher and person he was.We love you Mr.Taravella!
Drew Hoffman
December 17, 2006
"T" was a great baseball coach. I was coached by him for 2 years and enjoyed every minute of it. He brought a sense of humor and his knowledge of the game everyday, which made it easy to play for him. "T" was loved by many and will be missed by all. Class of '96, OCL Champs
Tony Ciccone
December 17, 2006
Taravella family sorry for your loss,played in the Hudson Valley Rookie league against Jimmy back in the 70's always remember him as a great guy with a great smile,and a great coach,the kids we lucky to have he as a coach and a teacher
Chris Di Palma
December 16, 2006
Mr.Taravella was one of my best teachers and a friend. My thoughts
and prayers are with you.
Class of 79
Mary Silva
December 16, 2006
Dear Mrs Taravella and family,
My deepest sympathies to all. I was in Payroll when Jim was hired and so I was one of the first to meet and greet him. It was evident even then what a gem Jim would be at MW. He will be missed by everyone.
Ellyn Mulrenin
December 16, 2006
Taravella Family
Many thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jim would want you to think of him with love and smile.
I went to St Thomas Elementary School with Jim. I can still remember the young boy with dark hair and glasses!
God bless you.
Barbara Kelly
December 16, 2006
Our sincerest sympathy from all the Kelly family, some of whom were Jim's students.
Barbara Kelly
Linda Abrevaya
December 16, 2006
Jim was a wonderful man. I worked with him as a teacher and coach for many years at MW. He was a positive influence on his many students as well as his collegues. He will be missed.
F. John Reinke (MC68)
December 16, 2006
The Manhattan College alumni community shares your grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself … any man’s death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Robin Burkhardt
December 16, 2006
Jim was a gentle presence among us. Please accempt my sympathy on your loss.
Marilyn and Gene Martin
December 16, 2006
Dear Rosemary and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the sudden loss of your beloved Jim. We knew Jim a long time through M-W and through coaching/Valley Central.
ANTHONY PETITO
December 16, 2006
A GREAT TEACHER , HE WILL BE MISSED
GREATLY . ANTHONY ( JAKE ) PETITO
tony cimorelli
December 16, 2006
Dear Mrs. Taravella and family:
I was so sad to hear about your loss.You don't know me but i played golf with Jim at Osiris and truly enjoyed being with him.
He was fun to play with and enjoyed the game and having fun with the guys.Even though I am here in SC I will miss him.He was a true friend and I wanted you to know he will be missed by many of us who knew him.
God Bless you and your family
Richard Moomey
December 16, 2006
Jim Taravella was a man for all seasons. Back in the early 70's, when I hired him, I didn't have any thought of the tremendous impact he would have on the lives of people, particularly young students. Jim and I appeared in one play together and I directed him in another. He always had a penchant for the stage. Lately we only crossed paths on the occassion of teacher retirement dinners, I hadn't seen much of Jim since my retiremnt. When I last saw him I asked if he was going to ever go back to the stage. He replied, "maybe, after I retire." Well folks, Jim never left the stage. His classroom was the scene of major productions every day done with love and an earnest sense of children learning. Those who never saw Jim teach missed a classy, exciting act which will resound in the lives of kids of all ages forever. He was one of the best teachers I ever observed in 25 years as principal of the Middle School...Blessings to Rosemarie, Tim, Jessica, Rebekah, Max and Zachery...You had a great husband, dad and granddad...Jim, rest in peace.You truly are a man for all seasons...God has a great role waiting for you...
dick moomey
Maureen Masten
December 16, 2006
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful man. Richard feels so badly that he has booked a flight to NY to pay his respects.
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