Vernon Anthony Taranto Sr., affectionately known as “Mr. T,” a native of New Orleans and resident of Prairieville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the age of 97. He was a high school choir and band director for 32 years, and the founder of the Baton Rouge Concert Band. As a member of Admiral Halsey’s Flag band, he proudly served in the US Navy during World War II. Mr. T is survived by his daughter, Laura T. Shows (Horace Jr.); his sons, Vernon Taranto Jr (Mary Ann), John C. Taranto (Cheryl), Paul D. Taranto (Darlene); grandchildren, David Taranto (Sarah), James Taranto (Dan Johnson), Christopher Taranto (Ann-Marie), Benjamin White, Jamey Westbrook (Cookie), Jeremy Shows (Vanessa), Geoffrey Shows ( Sara), Brian Shows (Sabrina), Timothy Shows (Courtney), Melissa Heroman (David), Michael Taranto ( Shirley), Matthew Taranto (Sarah); 23 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marguerite Taranto; first wife, Winnie Watts Taranto; second wife, Elaine Barber Taranto; brother, Hughes Taranto. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales from 6pm until 9pm. Visitation will resume on Monday, January 20, 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Prairieville from 9:15 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Interment will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memory Cemetery in Baton Rouge. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of St. Joseph Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Hospice in Vernon’s honor. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com . Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales is in charge of arrangements.
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