Jacob Tarosky

1928 - 2024

Jacob "Ray" Tarosky, 95, of North Huntingdon, formerly of Allegheny Township, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in the Weatherwood Manor. He was born May 29, 1928, in Bell Township, a son of the late Jacob and Rose Yankuskie Tarosky. Ray graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1946, where he played football and basketball. He attended Mt. St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, Md., where he played football. Ray was a member of St. Gertrude's Roman Catholic Church of Vandergrift, where he married Julia A. Ciocca Oct. 14, 1950. He was retired from Fisher Body General Motors with more than 50 years of service. Ray loved all sports, especially watching his sons and grandchildren participating in sports. Ray and Julia loved polkas and dancing the night away. He lived a full and happy life with a passionate love of his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Julia A. Ciocca Tarosky; son, Richard "Dickie" Tarosky; 12 siblings, John, Andy, Joe, Walter, Stanley, Eddie, Frank and George Tarosky, Martha Gardner, Mildred Jablonsky, Helen Venturini and Pauline Zinchini. He is survived by his two sons, Donald P. Tarosky Sr. (Rosemary), of Hempfield Township, and Dennis D. Tarosky (Joan), of Lantana, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Erica Tarosky, Melanie Tarosky, Patrick Tarosky (Christa), Matthew Tarosky (Morwenna), Donald P. Tarosky Jr. (Jessica), Julie Little (Robert) and Ann Williams (Robert); six great-grandchildren, Anthony, Connor, Preston, Finn, Rocco and Violet; and numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ray's funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church, 303 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. Inurnment will follow in Vandergrift Cemetery. Ray's family has entrusted his care to the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online condolences/directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.