Harold Hamid Tara Sr. MD

Harold Hamid Tara Sr., M.D. passed away peacefully at Covenant Hospice in West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, Florida on December 12, 2014. Dr. Tara was born in Shiraz, Iran on October 17, 1929. He earned his Medical Degree from Tehran University and then came to the United States to complete his internship and residency in Urology at Polyclinic Hospital and Francis Delafield Hospital in New York City. He was inducted into the American College of Surgeons in 1963 and was on the teaching faculty at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center for several years. He also had a successful private practice in Manhattan, Queens, and eventually in Wayne, New Jersey.

He published a landmark paper on Endoscopic Photography of the Urinary Bladder that was presented at the American College of Surgeons National Meeting in 1964. Dr. Tara also published several other articles in Urologic Diseases. He was regarded a leader in the field of Urology and was credited for developing a modification of the Balfour Retractor for Retropubic Operations in 1968. He was well known for his intense work ethic in both medicine and various business ventures. He served on numerous executive committees and Board of Directors and was often referred to as “The Chairman of the Board.”

Dr. Tara was married to Bette Bundy in September 16, 1961 and lived in Astoria, Queens until 1972. They then moved to Wayne, New Jersey where they raised their family. He was fortunate enough to see all three children mature and have families of their own. The grandchildren enjoyed hearing “Pop-Pop” sing Happy Birthday on their special day. Following his retirement from medical practice, they relocated to Pensacola, Florida in 1996.

He had many talents and accomplishments. He won the New Jersey State Chicken Cooking Contest in 1974 and then placed second in the national competition. He enjoyed his nightly walks and getting out on the dance floor as well. His valuable insight was a trusted source of advice to the family and friends.

Dr. Harold H. Tara Sr., M.D. was predeceased by his father Mohammed Jafar Tarassoli and mother Rezvan Tarassoli. He was also predeceased by his sister Ferough Fathi and Badri A. Foto. His wife of fifty years, Bette Tara, passed away in 2012. He is survived by his brother Iradj Tarassoli and his wife Maria along with his sister Arfa Tarassoli and her husband Mehdi Moghadasi

Dr. Tara also leaves behind his daughter Suzanne Azimi and her husband Poury, along with their three children Aryan, Safieh, and Jila. He also leaves behind his oldest son Robert and his two daughters, Kaitlyn and Graceann, and his youngest son Harold H. Tara Jr., M.D., along with his wife Annette and their two daughters, Victoria and Jessica. At Dr. Tara’s request, there will be a private gathering of family and friends in his honor. Condolences can be made online at www.dignitymemorial.com.