Oliva Tarantino

She attended Paterson Commercial College in New Jersey as a foreign exchange student where she graduated with an accounting degree. While at college, she began a courtship with Alfonso Tarantino. Upon her graduation, she returned to Italy. Continuing their relationship through correspondence, Alfonso flew to Italy with his mother to propose and they were married on June 14, 1959 in Croce.

They relocated to Los Angeles where Oliva became a devoted wife and mother of four children. She also helped make ends meet by working in a local bakery and as an accountant at National Dollar Store. Later, Al and Eva began their venture in real estate and property management, working side by side.

Because of her strong Catholic faith, Oliva sent all of her children to Catholic Schools. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she was very active in the community. She worked hard, spoke four languages, and of course was a fabulous cook. With her extended family located in New Jersey and Italy, her children were blessed with many trips to visit her side of the family. She believed it was important to stay connected to her family and their traditions, while starting new ones with her husband’s family in California. She will be greatly missed and remembered for her out-going nature and generosity.

Oliva is preceded in death by her mother and father, Alfonso and Pierina; sister, Bina; daughter, Debra and her son Alfonso (Alphy). She is survived by her husband, Alfonso, her daughter, Diana and her son, Anthony; grandsons, John, Matthew and Daniel; sister, Josephine; son-in-law, John and daughter-in-law, Alice.