Gabriel Vincent Tarantino

Gabriel “Gabe” Tarantino, 86, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. He was born July 4, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York. He proudly and honorably served in the United States Marine Corps. While training at Camp Pendleton he was an “extra” (along with many other Marines) in the John Wayne film “The Sands of Iwo Jima”. Gabe fought in the Korean War; he fought in many battles, including the epic battle for the Chosin Reservior. The weather conditions were horrifically cold; at times it was 35 below zero. The survivors of the Chosin Reservior Campaign are a band of brothers who call themselves “The Chosin Few. “ Gabe was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor Device, three Purple Hearts, a World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, and received a Presidential Unit Citation.

He married Irene Jacobs in 1950 and they would have been married 66 years this July. Gabe later became a City of Phoenix Police Officer and rose to the rank of Police Detective; he was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

His father taught him a passion for fishing. He loved to play Poker and Craps. He learned Judo in Japan while serving in the Marine Corps and later taught Judo at the Boys Club. He also did some boxing and Karate. He loved spending time with and had a way with children; he’d wiggle his ears and they would smile and laugh in wonder. Gabe had many adventures in his life; people loved his great story telling ability. He was larger than life and could light up a room.

He is survived by his loving wife Irene; Sons, Vincent and Tracy Tarantino; Daughter Kathy Skinner; Grandchildren, Brent, Michael, Anthony, Nicholas, Bryanna; and great-grandchildren, Zoe, Liam and Alexah; and brother Carmine and sister Rose.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

A catered reception will follow the Memorial service - starting at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 8th, 2016 at the FOP Lodge #2 - 12851 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029 PH 602 993-0230.

The Lodge is North of Cactus Road and South of Thunderbird Road.

The family wishes to thank Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital E.R. and ICU for their compassionate care. We also thank all of our friends, family members and the brotherhood of Policeman for their support.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Chosin Few Memorial Monument Fund, www.metroplexmarines.org/donations/donate-to-the-chosin-few, or through mail: Make check or money order Payable to: Metroplex Military Charitable Trust. Write on the memo line: Chosin Few Monument, Mail to: Metroplex Military Charitable Trust, 3510 Rankin Street, Dallas, Texas 75205.