Anthony James Taranto

Anthony James Taranto, lifelong resident of Apalachicola, Florida, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born to the late Madeline Tortora and Joe Taranto on August 12, 1932. In his youth, Anthony learned about dedication, serving others, and hard work. He worked alongside his parents in the Seafood Industry which he continued until his retirement in 1993. Anthony joined the United States Army National Guard at the age of seventeen and continued to serve his country for forty-two years and eleven months. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his unit and looked forward to drill and would always volunteer for extra summer duty. His time as head cook was widely felt as one of the best of all the mess halls both for summer and regular drills.

Anthony was a dedicated member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Apalachicola, where he received his Sacraments, including marriage to his wife, Antoinette (Toni). He was a member of The Knights of Columbus and achieved 4th degree status. He also organized and supervised the first Knights of Columbus Squires youth group in the Florida panhandle. Anthony had a servant's heart and was an amazing cook. He displayed this through acts of service such as cooking spaghetti dinners for the church and community and being the head cook for the Seafood Festival for many years. Anthony was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting on St. George Island before development and fishing in the Apalachicola River.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters.

Anthony is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Toni Fichtner Taranto of Apalachicola, Florida, two children, Angela Lewis and husband T.J. of Crawfordville, Florida, and Joey Taranto and wife Gina of Apalachicola, Florida, two sisters, Nedda Hough of Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, and Dolores Roux of Apalachicola, Florida, seven grandchildren, Chase Taranto, Brandon Taranto, Wes Taranto, Cooper Taranto, Brittany Lewis, Lauren Lewis, Leah Lewis and one great grandson, Ridge Lewis. Anthony is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. Anthony will be truly missed by all his family and friends.

Services for Mr. Taranto will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Apalachicola, Florida, with the visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time and the Mass beginning at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time with Father Roger Latosynski officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Apalachicola, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of the following; The Children’s Tumor Foundation or FACES (The National Craniofacial Association)

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.