Christopher Samuel Tarpoff

My father was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on 28 October 1945 to opera singers Constance Bilotta and Arsen Tarpoff. My nona, Constance, a recent Juliard graduate with a dual degree in piano and voice, met my grandfather, Arsen, a tenor with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. They moved back to Constance’s hometown of Scranton, established a music school, and ushered in a tiny future tenor of their own, my father, Chris. Chris spent the first five years of his life in Scranton where he was embraced and cared for by a loving Italian family—most influentially, his maternal grandmother.

Shortly thereafter, the family moved to East Lansing, Michigan so that Arsen could teach voice at Michigan State University and so that they could be close to Arsen’s brother, Archie, and the gregarious Macedonian Tarpoff side of the family. Ten years after my father was born, his bouncing baby sister Candita was born, and the family was complete.

My father stayed in East Lansing, met my mother, Diana (Anderson) Tarpoff, had my brilliant sister Sarah, then three years later, watched me tumble into the world. He spent his adult life wanting to make his community a better, more helpful and informed place.

Whether it was working in hospitality, underwriting insurance, serving in the Army Reserves, as a Shining Star volunteer for AARP, or simply as an acquaintance or dear friend, my father was an ever optimistic, service and justice-oriented person. He was a conscientious citizen, cared deeply for his community, the nation, and the world at large. He cared deeply for people, made a concerted effort to help in any way he could, and did his best to uplift others. He was simply, yet profoundly, a good man.

I am including a piece of writing I found in my father’s own words so that we may all be inspired to say what we really want to say to our loved ones, do what we really want to do in the world, and truly live each day in the full expression of who we came here to be…

I love you, Daddy. Thank you for your giant heart, your thoughtful nature, your pride and care for your world. We have all learned so much from you. It has been my honor and joy to be your daughter, ad infinitum…Love, Polo.

A Look Back

by Chris Tarpoff

So many wonderful people have been a part of my life outside of my family (co-workers, fellow project and program volunteers, friends of our family and their children (who now have families of their own!). The world is a better place because of the contributions made by all of these people to others…I thank them and admire them very much.

My life has been blessed with two beautiful children, as well as a wonderful spouse for 25 years of marriage and a warm friendship beyond. Certainly, my mother, father and sister have been a loving and significant part of me my whole life, whether it be in daily contact or otherwise.

The most recent period of time spent with Polo has been heaven on earth. Love is all I can think of when holding her close, be it physically in person or in spirit miles away. She has been a gift I will hold in my heart forever. I love you, Smooch.

Chris was ushered across the veil by his daughter Sarah Beth Tarpoff who preceded him, and he remains unconditionally loved by his surviving daughter Polo REO Tate, his ex-wife Diana Tarpoff, and his sister Candita (Tarpoff) Ascione.

For those inclined to do so, contributions in Chris’s memory may be made to any of four of his favorite organizations:

Canine Companions for Independence

Capitol Area Humane Society

Greater Lansing Food Bank

WKAR TV—Michigan State University

We are hosting a casual gathering to honor and remember my father with details below. All are welcome to stop by:

20 Sept 2024 from 3-6:00pm

965 Rosewood Ave

East Lansing, MI 48823