Obituary of Anthony P. Talarico

Anthony P. Talarico, Sr., 94, of Tunkhannock passed away February 19, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Helen Merhib Talarico in 2021. Born in Scranton, PA on December 25, 1927 he was the son of the late James and Helen Ochesky Talarico. Born the oldest of twelve children during the depression. Anthony served his country during WWII and answered the call of duty again in 1950 during the Korean War. His life truly began in August 1946 when he met Helen Merhib picking beans to earn extra money for their families. This began their 75 year love affair. They married in 1950 and moved to Tunkhannock after he completed Barber School. He owned and operated his Barber Shop from 1951 until 1994. In addition, he and his wife managed a real estate company in Tunkhannock, built the Highfields Development, and helped many people have a home or a rental property. They also built the Mother of God Convent for the Capuchin Sisters and the S.A.F.E. Home (Saving Autistic Families Everywhere), and built several churches over the years. He was a devout Catholic with unparalleled faith. He was a member of the Nativity BVM Parish in Tunkhannock for 70 years. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Perkosky Council in Tunkhannock where he was a 4th degree member and a Grand Knight. In addition, Anthony was an avid Notre Dame fan! It was not uncommon for Anthony to open his home to nearly everyone he met and invite them over to enjoy his favorite meal; Helen’s homemade pasta dinner. He was an outstanding member of his community and his kindness was felt by all who crossed his path. Whether you received your first haircut in the barbershop, had your first job wallpapering a rental, or you were building, or buying your first home, helping people was Anthony’s greatest pride and joy. He is survived by sons, Robert of Dillsburg and Anthony P. Jr. and wife Susan of Tunkhannock; daughters, Rosellen Stone of Kingston and Marie Talarico-Davis and husband Dr. Gary Davis of Shippensburg; grandchildren, Bradley, Anthony, and Cathy Jagger, Robert, Andrea, Khalil Talarico, Anita Riley, Dominic Talarico, Anthony Talarico III, Zachary Davis, Elizabeth Spicer, Rebecca Davis-Conner; and eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Thomas Talarico, Joseph Talarico, Francis Talarico, Helen Thomas, Mary Phipps, Michael Talarico, John Talarico, and Paul Talarico; In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Dennis, James, and Vincent Talarico. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the care and compassion they provided to Anthony and our family during this time. In addition, the family wishes to offer their sincerest gratitude to Kim Rozing for her outstanding care and kindness that she extended to Anthony. Family and friends are invited to attend Anthony’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be held on Friday February 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM from the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 99 E. Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657 with full military honors. Interment will be in Pieta Cemetery, Tunkhannock. Friends are asked to go directly to the church on Friday morning. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, Inc. 73 W. Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Those of you who may wish to attend Anthony's service but are unable to can join the family online for a livestreamed service at 11:00 AM on Friday February 25, at www.sheldonkukuchkafuneralhome.com under Anthony's tribute page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mother of God Convent for the Capuchin Sisters at 215 Wellwood Drive, Tunkhannock, Pa. 18657 or Nativity B.V.M. Church 99 E. Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657.