Guido Pat Tarquinio

Tarquinio, G. Pat "Tark", born in Buffalo, NY on January 12, 1924 and died July 17, 2009. At age 18, shortly after the start of World War II, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served with the 4th Marine Division and participated in the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. After discharge from the Marine Corps he attended the University of Buffalo & worked until 1948, when he joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and also married his wife, Gloria. He started as an agent for MetLife and eventually became the district manager of the same office he started his career in. He retired from Metlife after 31 years of service. In 1966, he and his wife Gloria and their four children moved to Florida. Shortly after arrival in Florida they opened the 1st authentic raw bar, Tark's in Dania. The business barely survived for 7 years until 1973, when they were the innovators and started the craze for chicken wings in Florida. Their raw bar and wings concept has been copied by many. The original location in Dania is still open after 43 years. "Mr. Tark" retired in 1989, but continued to work as a Funeral Assistant at Fred Hunter's Funeral Homes. He worked there for 20 years. Tark & Gloria were married 61 years. He is survived by his children Patti Gonzales, Gary Tarquinio and Terry Tarquinio, his 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his 1st son, Norm. He is also survived by many cherished nieces & nephews and many close friends. Visitation 3-9 pm, Monday, July 20; Prayer Service, 8pm. Officiant Tom LaPointe of His Place Ministries. Funeral Mass, Tuesday, July 21, noon, St. David's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 106 Towerview Court, Cary, NC 27513, 800-4JimmyV. Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens Home 6301 Taft Street Hollywood, FL 33024http://videos.lifetributes.com/79585