Valerio “Val” Anthony Tarabini, 87, of Chowchilla, CA, passed away January 13, 2026, in the comfort of his home, the same house where he raised his family and next door to the home where he was born and grew up.
Val was born on October 9, 1938, in Chowchilla, California, in the very house he grew up in on the family dairy founded by his parents, David and Mary Tarabini. Farming and hard work were not just his livelihood they were his way of life. Val owned and worked at Tarabini Veteran Dairy his entire life, embodying the dedication, resilience, and pride of a true dairyman and businessman.
Val served his country honorably in the United States Army from September 14, 1961, to September 13, 1963. After returning home, he continued building his life and legacy in Chowchilla, deeply rooted in family, work, and community.
In 1965, Val married Barbara Tarabini, beginning a partnership that blended family and love. Through marriage, Val became a devoted father to Ramona, Connie, and Raymond Hester, and together he and Barbara welcomed two children, Anthony and Selina Tarabini.
Val was preceded in death by his parents, David and Mary Tarabini, and his beloved wife, Barbara Tarabini and his oldest sister Elsie Ciapponi.
He is survived by his sister Cecilia McGee, brother David Tarabini, his children Ramona Danieli, Connie Hester, Raymond Hester, Anthony Tarabini, and Selina Tarabini, and his grandchildren Janell Attebery, Beau Danieli, Bronte Tarabini, Michael Allen, Sawyer Allen, Kayla Hester, and Valerie Pedersen. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren Talan and Taylor Attebery and Jaylen and Jersey Danieli.
Val was known for always workingn, rarely still, always moving, always building. He somehow carried everything he might need in his pockets and could pull out just about any tool at a moment’s notice. He was never without a pen and a toothpick in his front shirt pocket. Though he worked hard his entire life, he was known for having the softest hands of any farmer you would meet.
He loved to pester people, especially his grandkids, and was famous for his great laugh and devious grin. Those who knew Val knew his humor, his sharp mind for business, and his deep love for his family, even if he showed it with a little mischief.
Rosary Services will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass at Saint Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange Ave, Chowchilla, California.
Graveside Service with United States Army Honor Gaurd will take place following Mass at Chowchilla District Cemetery, located at 23359 Road 14 1/2, Chowchilla, California.
Val’s legacy lives on in the land he worked, the family he raised, and the many lives he touched through his hard work, humor, and unwavering presence.
