Roger Tarala Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

BORN

March 13, 1953

DIED

April 3, 2019

LOCATION

Orland Park, Illinois

Thornridge Funeral Home - Dolton (Janusz Family Funeral Service) Obituary

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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Posting Guidelines|FAQ

Oh, dear Papa T, if you could only understand how deeply I miss you!

You had unwavering trust, faith, and belief in me. You were receptive to my love. Your actions spoke volumes—your eyes didn’t discriminate based on the shades of our skin. Your unconditional love and kindness made me feel special and worthy. You embraced me as if I were your own child. You entrusted your most precious gift to me, and I will never deceive you. Because of that, I am eternally grateful that our paths...

Vero Jimenez

March 13, 2025 | Lockport, IL | Daughter

"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

Roger L. Tarala

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