Donald Tarkett Jr.

Donald Edward Jr. Age 68 of North Port, Florida formerly of Horseheads, NY passed away on Thursday December 18, 2003 at home surrounded by his loving family. Donald was born August 13, 1935 in Honesdale, PA the son of the late Donald Edward and Sophie Isabel Savage Tarkett Sr. Don graduated from Hawley High School in 1953. He served his country with the US Army Signal Corps as a radio Operator from 1955 – 1957. Don was employed by the Erie-Lackawana/Conrail Railroad from 1953 – 1988. He received his Associate's Degree from Elmira College in 1978. Don was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Marjorie Jesse. Don enjoyed a life-long love of baseball, sharing his love of the game through coaching Little League Babe Ruth League, and Prep League teams in the Horseheads/Elmira Area. An avid golfer, Don was a member of The Dewbirds at The Mark Twain Golf Course for over 20 years. Don was also a life-time member of the Elks. He touched many lives with his guidance and devotion to family and friends. A gifted writer, with the ability to make people think, Don will be remembered for his sense of humor and sharp wit. Don is survived by his wife Maria Pinto Cullen Tarkett; son: Jeffrey M. Tarkett of Hornell, NY; daughter and son-in-law: Linda A. & Paul A. Fero of Painted Post, NY; step-son: Mark Cullen of Naperville, Illinois; grandchildren: Melissa Tarkett of Painted Post, NY, Jacquelyn Fero, Kelly Fero, and Patrick Fero all of Painted Post, NY, and Michael Tarkett of Horseheads, NY; brothers and sisters-in-law: Joseph & Frances Tarkett of Pittsburg, PA, William & Kathleen Tarkett and Thomas & Patricia Tarkett of Hawley, PA; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ossie & Patricia Pinto and Favio & Margaret Pinto of Horseheads, NY; several nieces, nephews, cousins. He is also survived by several dear friends William Buzz & Carrie Barton, Juan & Minoli Parra, Lou & Antoinette Fossaceca and many others too numerous to mention. Don loved you all! Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Van Buskirk-Lynch Funeral Home Mill St. & Grand Central Ave. Horseheads, NY on Friday December 26, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Prayer Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 9 AM followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Mary Our Mother Church 816 W. Broad St. & Westinghouse Road Horseheads, NY. The Rev. Robert C. MacNamara will be the Celebrant of Don's Funeral Mass. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads, NY. Those wishing may remember Don through memorials to Hospice of Southwest Florida 5955 Rand Boulevard Sarasota, Florida 34238.