Joseph P Tanona

Joseph P. Tanona, 78, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, August 20th 2009 at the University of Massachusetts Hospital surrounded by his family. Mr. Tanona is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ann L. (Courtney) Tanona, four devoted children, Stanley C. Tanona of Oviedo, FL, Joseph J. Tanona and his wife Kelly of Zionsville, IN, Patricia A. Rushton and her husband Daniel of Worcester, William F. Tanona and his wife Christine of Mantoloking, NJ; six cherished grandchildren, Caitlin, Megan, Joseph, Colleen, McKenna and Nellie; three sisters, Frances DiMeo and her husband Frank of Worcester, Margaret Bruhn and her husband Carl of West Boylston, and Genevieve Kiefer of South Dennis; many nieces, nephews and friends. Three sisters, Irene Velleco, Jean Tomasetta and Malvina Tanona, and three brothers, Frank, Stanley and Chester Tanona all predeceased him. Joseph was born in Worcester, son of Walery and Amelia (Bujak) Tanona. He graduated from Commerce High School. Mr. Tanona served in the U.S. Air Force & U.S. Army. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant in 1974. He was a recipient of many medals including the Bronze Star Medal. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Joe worked for Johnson Steel & Wire, Clark University and Paul Revere before retiring in 1996. Mr. Tanona was a member of St. Stephen's Church, Vernon Hill Post 435, Alhambra Council #88 Knights of Columbus, and the Army Otter & Caribou Association. He was also a life member of the Tatnuck Island Club. Joe was an avid New England sports fan and enjoyed fishing, gardening, baking, telling stories, and spending time with his family. Joe's funeral will be held Tuesday, August 25th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Monday, August 24th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Church Restoration Fund, 16 Hamilton Street, Worcester, MA 01604.