Joseph K Taraska

Joseph K. Taraska passed away unexpectedly at home in his sleep Sunday, August 23rd 2015. He was 46 years of age. Joseph was born in Brattleboro, Vermont; his father was the late Joseph Taraska. As a small child, he lived in Worcester where he graduated from North High School and later his family moved to Auburn. He met Karen J. Baker; dated her before marrying her fourteen years ago. Together they began their family and lived in love, dedication and family. Joseph loved his job; He worked as a client representative for Clark Security Products, now Anixter Company, a position he has held for many years. Joseph enjoyed the people he met and those he worked with across the country. They respected his dedication, his intelligence and enjoyed his sense of humor. Joseph is survived by his wife Karen; his three young children, Leah A., Piper D. and Joseph Taraska Jr. all at home; three children god chose for him to help parent, Joshua D. Ducharme, Adrian Taraska and Thomas W. Ducharme all of Worcester; his mother and step father, Patricia (Gordon) Stevenson and Francis Stevenson in Florida; his brother, Eric Stevenson in New Orleans and sister Jennifer Leduc of Auburn; his mother-in-law Patricia Masten and her fiancé Guy D'Amolfo; sister-in-law, Lauren English who loved him very much; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends including Donna Zapasnik; Joseph also leaves his second family he considered his own; Robert Roy of Leicester, Christopher Roy of Worcester, Philip Roy of Rutland, Todd and Ray Fitzgerald and their mother, Patricia Roy all of Worcester, whom he considered a second mother. Besides his father Joseph, a sister, Bonnie Pellerin, and second father Philip Roy predeceased him. A fun loving, dedicated husband, father and friend, Joseph enjoyed family. His greatest times and memories were those spent with his wife, kids and friends. He daily looked forward to returning home to be with them. Joseph enjoyed Golf, softball, and all New England sports especially the Patriots. He was a former member of the Auburn Elks. Joseph would want to deeply thank Nassim and Tenney Aoude for their outstanding dedication to children with Autism especially his own children. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, August 26th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral service will follow at 7 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Taraska Children's Educational fund, care of the TD Bank, 200 Boston Turnpike Rd Shrewsbury 01545.