Francis J. "Tal" Talerico

1943 - 2024

SWOYERSVILLE — Francis J. "Tal" Talerico, 81, of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 14, 2024, at the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dallas.

His beloved wife was the late Lorraine "Nannie" Milius Talerico, who passed away Aug. 3, 2014. Tal and Nannie were blessed to share 45 beautiful years of marriage.

Born July 17, 1943, in Kingston, Tal was the only son born to the late Santo F. Talerico and Frances Pechal Talerico. Raised in Swoyersville, Tal was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1961. Following high school, he went on to attend East Stroudsburg University and King's College, eventually enlisting with the United States Army, serving his country in the Vietnam War era and attaining the rank of private.

Upon his honorable discharge from military service, Tal enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and was a member of its 1967 graduating class. Later, he returned to King's College where, in 1976, he attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice, and also attended and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in 1990.

Prior to his retirement in 2003, Tal was employed as a Pennsylvania State Trooper, attaining the rank of lieutenant. His last duty assignment was with Troop S, now Troop R, at the Blooming Grove barracks, where he was instrumental in the construction of the new barracks. He was also assigned for many years to Troop P at the former Wyoming barracks, where he served as commander of staff services.

A man of faith, Tal was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, and was a past member of the former St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville. He was also a member of the Northeast Branch of the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania, serving on its annual fundraising golf tournament planning committee; the Scranton/Dunmore Fraternal Order of Police, E.B. Jermyn Lodge 2, Scranton; the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville; the Catholic War Veterans, Memorial Post 1601, Swoyersville; and was a past member of the former Swoyersville Lions Club, serving as its past president and past secretary.

Tal and Lorraine enjoyed every moment of their 45 years together, and could often be found dining out at their favorite restaurant. Since her passing, Tal found enjoyment in meeting with his friends for drinks and the occasional trip to the casino. He was an avid Penn State fan, loved women's college basketball, and has seen most crime shows ever aired.

Tal and Lorraine may not have been blessed with children, but Tal regarded his niece and nephew, Janelle and Jonathon, as his own. His great-nieces and great-nephew, Reese, Avery "Little Bear," and Rory, held a very special place in Tal's heart and brought him a lot of joy in the past few years. Although Tal's presence will be missed beyond measure, there is joy in knowing he is now happily reunited in heaven with Lorraine and all his loved ones who were patiently awaiting his arrival there.

In addition to his parents, Santo and Frances, and his wife, Lorraine, Tal was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Ronald Milius and John Milius; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Swaboski.

Left to cherish his memory are his sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Milius, Swoyersville; and Donna Milius, Mechanicsburg; his brother-in-law, Joseph Swaboski, West Wyoming; his nephew, Jonathon Milius and his wife Eryn, Dallas; his niece, Janelle Milius and her boyfriend Kurt Krasavage, Edwardsville; his great-nieces, Reese and Avery Milius, and great-nephew, Rory Milius, all of Dallas; and his many friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the kind and compassionate care they provided Tal during his stay there.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Tal's services which will begin with a closed casket visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Father Louis A. Grippe, officiating. Interment with the rite of committal will follow in the Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Tal's family has entrusted his funeral arrangements to the care of Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.

To share a memory of Tal or message of condolence with his family, you may visit www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.