John E. TAVERA

TAVERA, John E. John E. Tavera, 48, of Bristol, died suddenly on Wednesday (April 28, 2010) at Bristol Hospital. John was born in Bristol on October 8, 1961 and was a son of Anthony and Frances (Arru) Tavera of Bristol. A lifelong Bristol resident, he graduated from St. AnthonyGrammar School and St. PaulCatholic High School. While at St.Paul's, he was captain of the soccer team and was named all-state soccer player. John was one of the original coaches of the Bristol Soccer Club. He then attendedThomas College in Maine where he played for the Thomas College Terriers. He worked in the family business, Tavera Tile, since 1980. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed golf, was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Yankees, and he enjoyed attending UCONN football games. He was a member of the Italian Social Club, the St. Joseph Polish Society, the Sons of Italy inSouthington, and St. Anthony Church, Bristol. In addition to his parents, John leaves his cherished daughter, Taylor Tavera of Bristol; his wife, soul mate, and best friend, Lee Santorso; two brothers and sisters in law, Joseph and Christine Tavera, and Frank and Deidre Tavera, all of Bristol; his sister and brother in law, Ann Marie and Thomas Leahy of Tolland; and ten nieces and nephews. He also leaves his extended family, Mary Santorso of Bristol, Gary Santorso and Susan and Stephen Jones ofFarmington. He was also blessed with many close, life-long friends. John was the best husband, son, daddy, brother, uncle, and friend to everyone. John enjoyed life to the fullest and will be loved, missed, and remembered always. Funeral services will be held on Monday (May 3, 2010) at 9 AM from Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave.,Bristol, to St. Anthony Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday between 3 and 7 PM. Memorial donations may be made to either the Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, PO Box 2826,Bristol, CT 06011-2826 or St.Anthony School, 30 Pleasant Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Please visit John's memorial web-site atwww.FunkFuneralHome.com.