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Joseph Tanona Obituary

Joseph P. Tanona, 78, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, August 20th 2009 at the University of Massachusetts Hospital surrounded by his family.

Mr. Tanona is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ann L. (Courtney) Tanona, four devoted children, Stanley C. Tanona of Oviedo, FL, Joseph J. Tanona and his wife Kelly of Zionsville, IN, Patricia A. Rushton and her husband Daniel of Worcester, William F. Tanona and his wife Christine of Mantoloking, NJ; six cherished grandchildren, Caitlin, Megan, Joseph, Colleen, McKenna and Nellie; three sisters, Frances DiMeo and her husband Frank of Worcester, Margaret Bruhn and her husband Carl of West Boylston, and Genevieve Kiefer of South Dennis; many nieces, nephews and friends. Three sisters, Irene Velleco, Jean Tomasetta and Malvina Tanona, and three brothers, Frank, Stanley and Chester Tanona all predeceased him. Joseph was born in Worcester, son of Walery and Amelia (Bujak) Tanona. He graduated from Commerce High School.

Mr. Tanona served in the U.S. Air Force & U.S. Army. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant in 1974. He was a recipient of many medals including the Bronze Star Medal. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Joe worked for Johnson Steel & Wire, Clark University and Paul Revere before retiring in 1996.

Mr. Tanona was a member of St. Stephen's Church, Vernon Hill Post 435, Alhambra Council #88 Knights of Columbus, and the Army Otter & Caribou Association. He was also a life member of the Tatnuck Island Club. Joe was an avid New England sports fan and enjoyed fishing, gardening, baking, telling stories, and spending time with his family.

Joe's funeral will be held Tuesday, August 25th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Monday, August 24th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Church Restoration Fund, 16 Hamilton Street, Worcester, MA 01604.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Aug. 22 to Aug. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Tanona

Not sure what to say?





Darryl & Janea McClain

September 3, 2009

Our deepest sympathies. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tony Kapulka

August 29, 2009

I wish to extend my sympathy to the Tanona family especially Patty and Stanley. I remember your family well from the Tom Ash Little League years You were a great group of people
Tony Kapulka

Bob Hanlon

August 26, 2009

To the Tanona Family,

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. I didn't know him, but I became very friendly with Joe Jr.in high school and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Take comfort in the fact that he in a better place and the memories will never fade. Time is not measured by the years that we live, but by the deeds that we did...

Tom Hochstetler

August 25, 2009

Mrs. Tanona, Stan, Joey, Patti and Billy,

Good afternoon, I hope this message finds you well....or as well as can be expected.
All of my family (extended as well), will be praying for you all and keeping you in our thoughts.
The nothing can replace your loss, however, you can find comfort through God, friends and family.

Take care and God be with you all.
Tommy Hochstetler

Patricia Marr

August 25, 2009

Deepest sympathy to you Ann and your family. There are no words to say how sorry I am to hear of Joe's passing. God bless you and your family.

Shirley George

August 24, 2009

My Deepest Sympathy to you and your Family Ann.
May his memory be eternal.. God bless you and your family at this difficult time.
Ernie and Shirley George
Troy's Aunt

tom feraco

August 24, 2009

Mrs. Tanona, Stan, Joe, Patti and Billy,

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a great guy. I have fond memories of him. He was always nice to us when we were kids.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

tom

Lisa Bowen

August 24, 2009

Dear Patti

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely
Lisa Bowen

WAYNE JENNINGS

August 24, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tim Mahoney

August 24, 2009

Joe and family - I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.

The Mahoney Family

Audra Steinys Tasi

August 24, 2009

To the Tanona family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

The Steinys Family
Houghton Street

Troy Alexander

August 24, 2009

Aunt Ann, Stan, Joe, Patti & Billie,
I am totally shocked and at loss for words... I just found out and I am totally numb.. He was an outstanding man, who will never be replaced. His heart was golden and his love for family was genuine.
God Bless all of you at this time of your loss. He has gone to a better place and has his wings already.
Love and Prayers..
Troy & Michael, Debbie and Ray
From Toledo Ohio

Paul Thoutsis Jr.

August 24, 2009

To The Tanona Family

My deepest sympathy for your loss during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mr. Tanona will always be remembered as a great individual.

August 24, 2009

Joe and family - our thoughts are with all of you. So sorry to hear of your loss.

The Huban Family

Kelly Sawtelle

August 23, 2009

Patty and family.....I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May all your happy memories together get you through this difficult time. Love Kelly Donaghy Sawtelle

August 23, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.


The kalil family.

Anthony M Petrone

August 23, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ryan McBee

August 22, 2009

Ryan McBee

Maura Kiefer-Glass

August 22, 2009

My sincere and heartfelt condolescences go out to all of the Tanona Family.I will surely miss my Uncle Jo. I will always remeber his smile and sunny disposition. He was always such a pleasure see! I am certain he is with my Dad right now. All My Love, His Niece, Maura Kiefer-Glass

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