Richard Vincent Tarantino

1931 - 2017

April 5, 1931 - March 15, 2017 Richard Vincent Tarantino ("Dick") was born to John and "Phoebe" Tarantino on April 5, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. Dick was predeceased by his younger brother Bill many years ago. He was the beloved husband to Judith Tarantino and adored father to Diane (DeHaas), Kathy and Vince and equally adored stepfather to Nora (Arian), Brian (McGarry), Maggie (Keller) and Kate (Kallal). He was "Gramps," "Grandpa" or "Papa" to 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kellie, Keri, Kevin, Kimberly, Anthony, Matthew, Sarah, Megan, Tyler, Luke, Paige, Mackenzie, Quinn, Sean, Jack, Bridget, Brady, Liam, Lex, Kole, Kaden, and Austin. After an expected 6th great-grandson, his first great-granddaughter is on the way too. After graduating from Los Angeles' Loyola High School, Dick's college career was interrupted by the Korean Conflict. Dick entered the Air Force, serving as a radio man flying rescue missions to recover downed pilots. After honorably serving his country, Dick began a career as an air traffic controller in 1954. With his calm presence and friendly demeanor, Dick excelled as an air traffic controller, working both at LAX and at Van Nuys Airport, which, at the time, was the busiest general aviation airport in the world. Dick retired as a supervisor from his air traffic control career at 55, allowing him time to participate in his passions, golf, fishing, and travel, while also expanding his circle of friends from Van Nuys to Ventura, where he and Judy moved more or less full time after Judy retired. And, of course, he remained devoted to the growing family for which he was patriarch. Dick passed away peacefully in Ventura on March 15, 2017 surrounded by loving family members. A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Church in Sherman Oaks, CA, on Monday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made in Dick's memory to Loyola High School, 1901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.