Emanuel Anthony Tasso

1932 - 2024

Emanuel Anthony Tasso, 92, of Callahan, Florida, was called to God on June 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Paterson, New Jersey on Feb. 22, 1932, and moved to Jacksonville, Florida with his family when he was 11 years old. In 1953, Emanuel married the love of his life, Edda Capparelli, and settled down in Callahan, where he lived for over 70 years.
Emanuel graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve, and was mobilized to active duty in 1952. During the period of the Korean War, he served on the Haskell-Class Amphibious Attack Transport Ship, USS Rock-bridge (APA-228) which was assigned to the Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1953, he spent the next nine years married with children, working full time, and attending Jacksonville University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (Magna Cum Laude). His accounting career began at the American Oil Company, later with the U.S. Rubber Company, and then continued at Harry Evarts, CPA. Next, Emanuel joined the Internal Revenue Service as an agent. After 25 years of commendable service, Emanuel retired from the Department of the Treasury, where he served as the International Examination Group Manager in the Southeast Region. He was highly regarded by his subordinates, fellow International Group Managers, and the Office of the Assistant Commissioner (International) for his hard work ethic, expertise, and knowledge of both domestic income tax law and international tax law and was recognized as an expert in these areas by the service and Department of Justice. Known throughout the district as "Mr. International," Emanuel was awarded both the Albert Gallatin Award and the District Director's Award for his performance, commitment and dedication to the mission of the Department of the Treasury.
Emanuel was a wonderful, strong, loving, and devoted father and husband. He was always supportive to his family and friends during the many accomplishments and difficulties in their lives. Throughout his life, he cherished his family above all else. Even with all the tremendous things he achieved in his professional career, he felt like his biggest accomplishments were his five children and seven grandchildren. His priorities were his Catholic faith, his wife, children, grandchildren, other family members, friends and helping those at his church and in the community.
One of Emanuel's greatest passions was music, and he had a wonderful singing voice. He always loved singing at church, with family and with friends. He found great enjoyment in working outdoors. While employed full time, going to college and raising his five children, he felt great pride that he and his father-in-law (Benny Capparelli) simultaneously designed and built the family home by hand from the ground up.
Emanuel and his wife Edda were founding members of Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Callahan, and served the parish for over 57 years. He served the church as the president of the Parish Council, lector, Eucharistic minister and catechist. Always an active part of the Parish Council, he assisted numerous pastors over the years in planning and organizing church activities.
Emanuel was preceded in death by his wife, Edda (Capparelli) Tasso (64 years of marriage) and his mother, Lucy (Guarino) Giardino, stepfather, Angelo Giardino and father, Carlo Tasso. He is survived by his five children, daughter Lucy Tonette Carroll (Charlie); daughter Bernadette Luce (David); son, Ben Tasso (Margaret, deceased); daughter Angela Hoff (Joe) and son Anthony Tasso (Natalie); and seven grandchildren, Angela Marie Schaefer Nightengale, Marissa Carroll (Biniam), Sophia Hoff, Shafer Tasso (Phylisha), Andrew Tasso, Emily Catherine Tasso and Mitchell Tasso. He is also survived by his sister, Theresa McGonagle (Joe, deceased), sister Lucy Cortese (Mario) and brother Angelo Giardino (Michelle).
Visitations were held on Monday, June 24, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, located at 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL. Funeral mass services were held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Matthews Catholic Church, located at 1773 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. While flowers are appreciated, those who wish to express their love through memorial donations may contribute to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or give online at support.communityhospice.com.