Joseph Thomas Tafaro passed away at his home on October 7, 2015, at age 71. Son of the late Peter Joseph Tafaro and Thyra Conerly Tafaro. Husband of Mary Tafaro. Father of Robert Tafaro (Linda) and grandfather of Reilly and Eleanor Tafaro. Brother of Sharon Sledge. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Joseph was a graduate of New Orleans Academy, LSU, and earned a Masters degree from University of California at Long Beach. After a brief career as a high school science teacher, he joined NOPD in 1974. He retired as a Sergeant, and went on to serve as a criminalist in the Crime Lab.
Joseph had a passion for music. He played violin, fiddle, and ukulele, and was a fixture in Audubon Park, spending many mornings practicing his instruments in one of the gazebos. He also loved attending open mic night at the Neutral Ground, and volunteering at the Aquarium of the Americas and the Insectarium.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Monday, October 12, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until service time. To sign the family guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
