Gerard A. Tarabokia

Gerard A. Tarabokia, 71, formerly of Apex, passed away on December 21st in Raleigh surrounded by his loving family. Born December 31, 1949 in Jersey City, NJ, Gerry was the son of the late Raymond and Rafaella (Vitale) Tarabokia. Before relocating to North Carolina in 2000, he resided in Woodbridge and East Amwell, NJ.

Gerry graduated from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Iselin, NJ in 1968 and Rutgers University in 1972. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Hasuly.

He was a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New Jersey and North Carolina. After working for several major companies, he started his own business and built a thriving CPA practice. He was a trusted and respected advisor to his clients, many of whom came to think of him as a friend.

Gerry enjoyed exploring his adopted home of North Carolina, taking the backroads and rarely taking the same way twice. He delighted in time spent at the family beach house in Carolina Beach. He loved sharing family stories, spoiling his grandkids every chance he got, and yes, doing taxes. Above all, he loved being with his family and never missed an opportunity to tell them how much he loved them. His generosity and positive attitude were as infectious as his laugh.

He is lovingly remembered by his best friend of 55 years, Susan, to whom he was absolutely devoted. He was a proud father to sons Michael (Jane) and Steven and daughters Danielle Norris (Connor) and Lauren Kendall (Mark). He cherished his seven grandchildren, Zoe and Luca Tarabokia, Lachlan, Griffin, and Clare Norris, and Eva and Anna Kendall, who all adored their fun-loving Pop.

Gerry is also survived by beloved brother, Raymond Tarabokia, aunt Joyce Dwyer, brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Diane Hasuly, and many nieces and nephews.

If you would like to make a difference in Gerry’s memory, please donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan.org/donate).