Paul M. Tarantino

CLINTON/WILMINGTON

Paul M. Tarantino Sr., an amazing husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023, after spending his last day surrounded by those who love him more than words can express. His 83 years on this earth were a blessing to all that knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, understanding, quick wit, and his unwavering and unconditional love and support for his family and friends.

Paul was born and raised in Somerville, MA as the son of Frank and Josephine (Drago) Tarantino. He told countless stories of his childhood adventures/antics with his two brothers, Frank and Robert "Bobby" Tarantino who both predeceased him. Paul was a graduate of Malden Catholic High School, attended Boston University, and served his country as a member of the US Army National Guard.

He married the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" A. (Foley) Tarantino in 1968 in Somerville, MA. They spent their 55 years together living in Massachusetts, first in Somerville then Wakefield before settling in Wilmington where they lived for 29 years and raised their four children, Lori, Paul Jr., Carrie, and Leanne. Paul held a variety of jobs during his working life but was most proud of the years he spent as owner and operator of a convenience store in West Peabody.  After retiring in 2002, he and Peggy relocated to Clinton, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Paul was an unfailing supporter of all Boston Sports teams, no matter how bleak their prospects. He had mastered the remote control to be able to catch at least a part of every game. He coached his children’s baseball and softball teams in Wilmington and even came out of retirement for one year to coach his grandsons in Holden. He enjoyed golfing, cheating at Chinese Checkers, and producing unique concoctions in the kitchen. However, he was most passionate about spending time with his family under any and all circumstances. He will live forever in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his wife Peggy; a son, Paul M. Tarantino, Jr., and his wife, Heather, of Holden; two daughters, Carrie A. French and her husband, Keith, and Leanne M. Glynn and her husband, Matthew, all of Leominster; and eight grandchildren: Sarah, Jeffrey, and Michael Tarantino; Nathaniel and Therron Glynn, and Jillian, Charlotte, and Avery French.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Lori M. Tarantino who passed in 2022.  

Paul’s funeral service will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton. Burial will follow in Reservoir Pines Cemetery, Clinton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the Tarantino family suggests that memorial donations be made in Paul’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.