Jacob Taranto III

It is with heavy, loving, and faith-filled hearts that family must announce Jacob Taranto III; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and respected civil attorney, entered his eternal life on July 10, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was 82 years old.

Jake, as he was affectionately known, was the eldest son of Jacob Taranto II and Althea Estopinal Taranto born in New Orleans on November 3, 1942. Since boyhood, Jake was an astute adventurer with a brilliant sense of purpose, curiosity, and wit. He was a proud product of his hometown and was shaped by the rich history, tradition, culture, and enduring soul of New Orleans. Jake attended St. James Major Elementary School, Holy Cross High School, and in 1965 earned a degree in Liberal Arts from Louisiana State University in New Orleans. In 1968, he received his Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law, beginning a career marked by integrity, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to the public good. Over the decades, he served the city and its citizens with distinction as; an Associate at the Law Firm of Frederick Gisevius, Jr., the Assistant City Attorney under Blake G. Arata, and later in private practice at The Law Offices of Jacob Taranto III. He held esteemed appointments as General Counsel to the City Council of New Orleans as well as the Sewerage & Water Board, roles through which he helped protect the city he so loved. His work reflected his character; measured, thoughtful, honest, and quietly devoted to the people and communities he served. Jake was a proud member of the Louisiana State Bar and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. He embodied the values of service through his longstanding membership in the Rotary Club and his commitment to Catholic life. His love for education and mentorship was evident during his time as a board member at Archbishop Rummel High School.

While accomplished in his career, Jake’s greatest pride and joy came not from courtrooms or boardrooms, but from the family he built and cherished. On August 20, 1966, he married his childhood sweetheart and neighbor, Valerie Jo Boutte. Their love story began when they were just 15 years old, living side-by-side on Clematis Street. As they grew up together, so did their loving commitment. Heart

racing, tree carving adoration bloomed into an eternal love which included a marriage lasting nearly 59 years. With each passing year, their partnership deepened into a lifelong bond grounded in love, respect, friendship, trust, humor, faith, and unfailing devotion. Together, Jake and Valerie raised two children, Tara

Lee Taranto Muller and Todd Jacob Taranto, whom he loved fiercely and guided with wisdom, strength, dedication, and grace. In his later years, he stepped into his most treasured role, Poppy. He was the joyful and ever-present grandfather to Amelia, Beau, Mason, Manning, and Baylor. To them, he was magic; always curious, always listening, always cheering them on. Poppy shared endless stories which showcased the treasures found within his imagination and pockets. However, he collected more than his prized pocket knives and coins; Poppy collected his grandchildren’s smiles, their victories, their hopes and their dreams.

Jake had a mind for detail and a heart for humor. He was a voracious reader, drawn to spy thrillers, WWII history, and courtroom dramas by his favorite authors Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, and Lee Child. He had a soft spot for slapstick comedy and classic television, often laughing out loud to The Pink Panther, Seinfeld, The Big Bang Theory, or America’s Funniest Home Videos. His luminescent laughter filled the lives of all who loved him with levity. A man of routine and ritual, Jake found beauty and value in the sacred ordinary. Simple pleasures he adored included steaming hot cups of coffee, a Dustbuster for grandkid crumbs, a battery filled flashlight, and the salty, satisfying crunch of buttery movie theater popcorn. He believed in hard work, quiet strength, and showing up for people. His Catholic faith provided a strong foundation throughout his life, and he was a devoted parishioner at St. Pius X Catholic Church in New Orleans and later, at St. Michael the Archangel in Houston, where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Jacob Taranto III leaves behind a legacy of love, service, humor, and kindness. He is survived by his beloved wife Valerie; his dearest daughter, Tara Muller (Sean) from Houston, TX; his adored son, Todd Taranto (Bridgette) from Madisonville, LA; and his five precious grandchildren: Amelia Morgan Taranto, Todd Jacob “Beau” Taranto II, Mason Avery Muller, Manning Olivia Muller, and William Baylor Taranto.

Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Robert Taranto (Kay), and nephew Keith

Taranto (Shannon), as well as his sister, Melinda Taranto Kirschenheuter (Gary), and their children: Thomas Kirschenheuter (Melissa) and Elizabeth Kirschenheuter.

He has joined his parents, Jacob Taranto II and Althea Estopinal Taranto; his in-laws, Captain Morgan Boutte and Cassandra Boutte; and his nephew, Jacob Kirschenheuter in eternal joy and peace.

In honoring Jake’s life, we celebrate a man who gave generously of his time, intellect, and heart. He walked humbly, laughed often, and loved entirely. His absence leaves a tender ache and a space impossible to fill. We are grateful that his memory lives on in the crisp sound of book pages turning, in the smell of waffles and bacon after sleepovers, in the twinkle of curiosity passed down through generations, and in every whispered prayer of gratitude for the man we called Poppy. His spirit is woven into the fabric of our existence and will be carried forever in our hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place following Mass at Lake Lawn Mausoleum.