Paul C. Tarabrella
Paul C. Tarabrella, 98, of Monongahela, died Saturday, March 13, 2021, in his home. Born June 23, 1922, in Brownsville, he was a son of Carmen and Pearl Hendricks Tarabrella.
A graduate of Monongahela High School Class of 1940, and the Pittsburgh Technical Trade School, Paul entered the U.S. Marines 2nd division during World War II (1942-1946) serving in the Asiatic Pacific in the recapture and occupation of Guam, Marianas Islands.
Paul served (St. Anthony’s/St. Damien of Molokai) St. Andrew the Apostle Parish as Eucharist Minister for 20 years with 10 of those years serving Mon Valley Hospital. His active memberships were Secular Franciscan Order, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Mon Valley Leathernecks (the last WWII veteran in the Mon Valley Leatherneck organization).
He retired after 33 years from West Penn Power Mitchell Station, with prior employments at Mariana Mine, Clairton Steel Mill and Mississippi Glass. Paul served as a dispatcher for Tri-Community Ambulance for more than 20 years, served as food packer for Meals on Wheels, coached Monongahela Little League Baseball Fireman team, and coached seventh-eighth grade St Anthony’s basketball team. He also played inside right center for the Hootowls soccer team, attended all the Pittsburgh Hornet home hockey games at Duquesne Gardens (1950 – 1951 1st cup), attended all Forbes Field Pirate games, and was a regular St. Vincent Steeler camp attendee.
He married Julia Bradovich Tarabrella January 29, 1949 (“his biggest accomplishment”), who preceded him in death November 7, 2019.
He is survived by two daughters, Paulette Tarabrella, Carol Schneider; three sons, Michael (Christine) Tarabrella, Timothy (Jane) Tarabrella, James Tarabrella; six grandchildren, Thomas Dierker Jr., Jason (Mandi) Tarabrella, Rebecca Tarabrella, Cathy Tarabrella, Kimberly (Daniel) Alvers, Blanche Tarabrella; seven great-grandchildren, Meadow, Avery, Samuel, Nicholas, Julia Rosemarie Tarabrella, Gunner, Eliza Alvers; several nieces, nephews whom he loved and were special to him; close neighbors, Eucharistic ministers; and his beloved caregivers from Amedisys Hospice chosen by him.
He was preceded in death by one son, Robert Francis Tarabrella; two brothers, William (Mary) Tarabrella, John (Ann) Tarabrella; a son-in-law, William Schneider; a granddaughter-in-law, Aimee Petrucelli Tarabrella; his beloved dog, “Tabby”, a Maltese that he taught to “come follow” and that shared his daily walks.
“Semper Fi”.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, in the Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767. Blessing prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 722 West Main Street, Monongahela. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora, with military honors conducted by the Mon-Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Damien, EWTN.com, Sephalic Mass Association (Capichin Mission/3rd order of St. Francis), 521 Butler Street 100, Pittsburgh PA 15201; Toys for Tots c/o Howard Weber USMC, 831 Five Pines Road, North Huntingdon, PA 15642; People Concerned for the Unborn Child (which he and his wife Julia supported together), 3050 Pioneer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226.
Those who are unable to attend the visitation are encouraged to sign the guestbook at marshallmarrafuneralhome.com. In order to be compliant with our state guidelines, masks must be worn and social distancing be maintained.