Virginia A. Taranto, 89, of North Broad Street, Norwich, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, after a brief illness.
Born on October 15, 1926, in Norwich, Virginia was the daughter of Salvatore and Rosaria (Vanaria) Taranto. She graduated from Norwich High School in 1944, and earned an associate’s degree from Utica School of Commerce. Virginia returned to Norwich to work for Bennett-Ireland, but soon embarked on a long career with Simmonds Precision. She retired in 1988 after more than thirty years with that company.
Virginia was a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and sang in its choir for many years. She was also a member of the Ave Maria Guild
Virginia enjoyed many activities, including bowling and travel. She visited Australia in 1980 and later traveled on a cruise to the tropics. Virginia visited Florida several times and always loved the beach. She was also very fond of animals throughout her life, and always had room in her home for at least one cat. Virginia was also very interested in art and music. But above all, she loved her family – brother, sisters, nieces, and nephews – and lavished them with love and kindness. To know her was to love her.
Virginia is survived by her sister, Edith Mirabito; nephews James Mirabito (Jill), Joseph Spano (Leslie), Salvatore Taranto (Lynne); and nieces Jeanne Ann O’Connor (Richard), Maryellen Wentz (William), Margaret Taranto, Gloria Dowden (Burt); and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Dr. Angelo Taranto, sister Yolanda “Ellen” Spano, and nephew, Dr. Anthony Mirabito.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Virginia will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, where Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in the spring. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in Virginia’s memory may be made to the St. Bartholomew’s Capital Campaign Fund, 30 Pleasant Street, Norwich, NY 13815, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.