Photo courtesy of Thornridge Funeral Home - Dolton
Orland Park, Illinois
Mar 13, 1953 – Apr 3, 2019
Roger L. Tarala, age 66, late of Blue Island, formerly of Dolton and South Holland. Former husband of Toni Lynn (nee Bytnar); devoted father of Sean (Donna), Joseph (Lisa), Nicholas (Veronica), Sam (Ben) Bettenhausen, and Jeffrey (Kerry) Tarala; loving father figure of Stafford Owens; proud grandfather of Colin, Caden, Michael (Claire), James, Christa (Ryan) Romkema, Kara, Jeffrey, Matthew, Alejandra, Nico, James, Matthew, Will, Ruth, Anton, and Rosalie; dear great-grandfather of Anastasia, Augustine, and Felicity; caring brother of Marla (Curt) Malcom and Gregory Tarala; kind uncle of Antonio, Michael, Matthew, and Marc. Long time youth coach at St. Jude the Apostle, Dolton Boys Baseball, Thornridge High School, and Thornton Township High School that changed the trajectory of countless young men's lives.
Visitation Tuesday, 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Wednesday, 9:15 a.m. from Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 15801 S. Cottage Grove Ave., four blocks North of 162ndSt. (Rte. 6) Dolton / South Holland to St. Jude the Apostle Church Mass at 10:00 a.m. Private Inurnment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to The American Diabetes Association, Thornton Alumni Legacy, or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
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"T", you'll be missed deeply. My sympathy to the Tarala family.
Sandy Novak(Miller)
January 27, 2020 | Crown Point, AK | Significant_other
Coach T, what a powerful man you were to so many people. I'm so so proud of you. And you know what, I don't think you Roger Tarala knew that. I will miss you. I promise you, we will meet again. My sympathy goes out to the whole family, especially his kids and brother Greg..
Sandy Novak
January 27, 2020 | Crown Point, IN | Significant_other
My condolences to Roger's family, so sorry for your loss!
Joanne Collins
May 24, 2019 | Frankfort, IL | Acquaintance
The angels are bringing you home you will never be forgotten and always be remembered. I finally found you only to find out Im to late. May God rest your soul. Love always...Dianne Vogel.
Dianne Vogel
April 15, 2019 | Blackwood, NJ | Friend
April 12, 2019
He was always such a pleasant man when he walked into room 111. Always had a smile! He will be missed, praying comfort for all the family!
Valerie Marshall
April 10, 2019 | IL | Coworker
We called Roger and Marty Combes twins. Lol ... They looked alike and acted the same they're both in heaven now probably putting together a youth program. We always got such a kick out of Roger. I know he'll be truly missed by all. My prayers to the family for strength.
Laurel Combes/ Bischoff
Laurel Combes /Bischoff
April 10, 2019 | Naples, FL | Friend
We know Roger over the years from going to Thornton games. Even though
A Thornridge graduate he loved TTHS & bled purple. Knew his uncle Joe & family from their George Brown Restaurant in Harvey. Howard Smith TTHS 1961
Howard Smith
April 10, 2019 | Manteno, IL | Friend
My sincere condolences to his children Sean, Joe, Nick, Samantha and Jeff and his sister Marla and brother Greg. We had some great times back in the day I will truly miss those days. But now that he has passed on to that huge sports hall of fame in Heaven May Our Blessed Mother and God The Father Welcome Him Home With Comforting Arms And May He Rest In Peace. So long Roger until we meet again say hello to Whitey and Pip.
Alan Ward
April 10, 2019 | Monee, IL | Friend