Arthur Robert Tafil

Arthur Tafil age 70 of Knoxville, passed away February 11, 2026, at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Preceded in death by parents, Alexander and Sofie Pisarczyk Tafil. Survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Peggy Tafil; son, Sean Tafil; daughters, Diane Tafil and Suzanne and husband, Michael Muscari; grandchild, Donovan Tafil.

Art Tafil was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He always had a love of learning. He graduated high school with a full scholarship for architect school. Instead of going to college, he joined the Marines. He was a marine fighter pilot during the Vietnam and received several medals. Once back from Vietnam, he was stationed in Brunswick, GA where he ended up meeting his future wife, Peggy Graham. When Art wasn’t on base, he was always with Peggy. A few years later, they welcomed their first child, Sean Tafil. They stayed in Brunswick, GA for several more years. Ten years after their first child, they had their first daughter, Diane Tafil. She was born with many complications and had to be flown to another hospital where Art stayed by her side. This forged an unbreakable bond between father and daughter.

Art and family ended up leaving Brunswick, GA and over the next 3 years, moved to a couple of different states for his work. After the third year they had their third child, Suzanne (Tafil) Muscari. After her birth they settled down in Knoxville, TN where it felt like “home”. He also pursued his love of airplanes and photography. During his time in Knoxville, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering at Embry-Riddle. He never worked in the field, but he continued traveling as an engineer all over the world. Art was an amazing father and husband. He ended up becoming a grandfather in 2005 with his only grandchild, Donovan Tafil. Art loved Donavan with all that he was. They also had an inseparable bond. Art would do anything for anyone, especially his family. In 2009, he met his future son-in-law, Michael Muscari. He welcomed him with open arms. Michael was never just a son-in-law to him, but his son. Throughout Art’s life, he went through many obstacles and overcame each one. He was a hero to his family, and he is going to be greatly missed. He is now in Heaven waiting for us to join him one day. In the meantime, he will never be forgotten and will continue to be loved and missed by his family.

Semper Fi, until we meet again. The family will receive friends 5-7 pm Wednesday at Weaver's Chapel with a celebration of Life to follow at 7 pm.