Giampiero "John" Tafani Sr.

Giampiero "John" Tafani Sr., 76, of Plains, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 27, 2026.

John was born and raised in Sassoferrato, Italy, the youngest of three children born to the late Primo and Dominica Giovannini Tafani. He graduated from Scuola Media Statale, Italy, at the age of 14.

After graduating from school, John developed his love of woodworking. He came to this country January 1968 at 18 years old to be with his family having no knowledge of the English language. Many times, he said it was tough because he didn't know English, but that changed when he took night classes to learn the language at Coughlin High School where all his children graduated from.

John brought his passion of woodworking here to the United States. In 1970, he began making cabinets and doing other woodworking projects at his parent's home in West Wyoming. He then decided to start his own business, operating his first location from a small barn with just himself and another employee. He later moved to an old mill on Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming, where his business began to grow and needed to expand. With his wife by his side, he decided to build his own building on Apollo Dr., Wyoming, where John's Mtg. Co. became his dream, lasting more than 40 years.

John was passionate about his work. He loved his customers and his customers loved him for his impeccable work and honesty; and he went on to construct cabinetry for generations of clients. He believed in his work and its quality, and always kept the promises made to his customers. He loved talking with his customers, joking around with them, but his most important job was making his customers happy, and that he did! Previous customers still speak highly about their kitchens and other woodworking projects and the amazing job he did.

In 2011, John decided it was time to retire. He was satisfied with what he had accomplished and decided it was time to spend more time with his family. Retirement didn't stop him from woodworking: if someone needed anything repaired, a board cut, or a small vanity or cabinet, he was there to help. Outside of the business, he would always be there if someone needed help or advice… he was always there, no matter what the situation.

In 1992, John decided to become a U.S. Citizen. He wanted to start voting and, that May, he went to Philadelphia where he did the paperwork and was officially sworn in as a U.S. Citizen in the city of Scranton. He was so proud of that achievement!

A big kid at heart, John loved his American toys and was a collector of antiques and Lionel trains. He also loved fishing with his family and friends, and was known for his soft spot with animals, especially his cats which are all rescues. He loved his cats as much as they loved him.

John loved telling his cherished stories from his childhood in Italy and his loved ones will forever treasure them. He had a passion for history and he educated himself on history by watching programs, reading, and traveling to historical sites.

John will be best remembered for the deep love and devotion he had for his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart and was so proud of being a grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Geiger Tafani: his daughters, Michelle (Tafani) Mushinski and husband, Bill; and Tina (Tafani) Olson and her husband, Erik; his sons, Giampiero Tafani, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth; and Dominick Primo Tafani and his wife, Sarah; his sister, Diana Magni; his brother, Bruno Tafani and his wife, Marie; as well as his many grandchildren, his great-grandson, his nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM at the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter.

Friends may gather on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Saint Anthony of Padua Church (Corpus Christi Parish) 224 Memorial St., Exeter, for the celebration of John's Mass of Christian Burial.

Entombment with Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Carverton section of Kingston Township.

The Tafani Family wished to extend their sincere gratitude to John's doctors and nurses for their compassionate care and understanding. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, for the exceptional care bestowed upon John during his 2-week stay there.

To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com.