Mario Tannariello

Mario Tannariello, 93, resident of Amherst, NH, died August 3, 2011 at the Milford Medical Center, Milford, NH. He was born in New York City on April 21, 1918, a son of the late Dominic and Theresa (Izzo) Tannariello. Mr. Tannariello made his home in Amherst with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren for the past 19 years and formerly lived in Whitestone, NY, for many years. He had been employed by L & J Trucking Company, Queens, NY and was a member of the Teamsters Union. In his later years, it gave him great joy to work at the Sonshine Inn, Amherst, as a teacher’s aide where he was known as Mr. T to the children. He also was the groundskeeper and took care of all of the maintenance at the Amherst Christian Church. A “handyman extraordinaire” with a cheerful disposition, he could fix just about anything and took great pride in everything he did. In addition to his love of the outdoors and puttering in the yard, he was also very creative, generous, frugal and always eager to learn something new. He adored and lived for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always loving, gentle and kind. He enjoyed politics and followed them very closely. Mr. Tannariello was a member and treasurer of a local bowling league and was currently bowling three times a week. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII having served in the Pacific Theatre and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Mr. Tannariello was predeceased by his wife, Jean (Jankowski) Tannariello; a son, Richard M. Tannariello; and his daughter-in-law, Donna Tannariello. Family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Derry Tannariello of Amherst, NH; 7 Grandchildren; 19 Great Grandchildren; a sister, Jean Calavitti of NY; a brother, Pasquale Tannariello of NY; many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours are Sunday, August 7th from 4:00-6:00 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:00 am in the Amherst Christian Church, 134 Hollis Road, Route 122, Amherst, NH. Burial will be in Meadowview Cemetery, Amherst, with military honors. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com