John's life began October 8, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois.  When John was a teenager his parents moved to Southwest Michigan, settling in Benton Harbor.  John was a 1946 graduate of Benton Harbor High School and continued his education at Western Michigan University.  His college education was cut short when John was called on to serve his country in the United States Army.  Upon returning home John went to work for Whirlpool Corporation until retiring.  Outside of work he enjoyed golfing, old cars, and he was a lifetime member of the Watervliet Lion's Club.

John's greatest joy was spending time with his loving family which includes: his wife of 68 years Beverly (Means) Tarantino; three children Gary (Eula) Tarantino, Gail (Gary) Kessler, Bruce (Judy) Tarantino; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; a sister Barbara Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

John died Sunday, October 21, at Brookdale Delta in Lansing.  He is preceded in death by a great grandson Collin Tarantino, parents John and Goldie (Kinkade) Tarantino Sr., and two brothers Jim and Ross Wm. Tarantino.  A memorial service will be celebrated Thursday, November 1, at 12:30 PM with visitation prior from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Memorials may be made in John's name to Watervliet Lion's Club or Michigan Premier Hospice, 312 E. Houghton Ave, West Branch, MI 48661.  You are welcome to leave a message of comfort for John's family at hutchinsfuneral.com