William D. Taneri 1925-2020

Whitey was born July 2, 1925, in Warren, the son of the late Constan and Alene Bond Taneri, who were also born to eternal life July 21, 1982 and 1968 respectively.

He attended Warren G. Harding High School until enlisting in the United States Navy on Aug. 14, 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Houston Cl 81 as a seaman second class. He was honorably discharged March 9, 1946. As a veteran of WWII, he received the following medals: Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal (3 Stars), American Area Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Victory Medal.

Upon his return from the war, he worked at Peerless Electric Co. In 1952, he took a new job at Ohio Edison Co. as a lineman. He eventually worked his way up to the engineering department, from where he retired in 1987. He was very active in the Ohio Edison Men’s Club.

Whitey was a founding member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and continued his faith at St. John Paul II Parish. He was active in the Men’s Club, Bereavement Committee, St. Pius X Family Festivals and served as an usher and altar server for masses and funerals until he was 94, becoming the oldest altar server in the Youngstown Diocese.

He bowled for many years at Rainbow Lanes and loved to golf on a regular basis well into his late 80s. Coming from a musical family, Whitey was an avid drummer, playing at weddings and dances with his band and other bands throughout the area from the late 1940s to the late 1980s. After retirement, Whitey became involved with the USS Houston Association and he and his wife, Helen, went to many reunions across the United States.

Whitey was a proud volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store, continuing that service until January 2020. He also delivered Mobile Meals for over 20 years.

Whitey’s greatest passion was his unconditional love for his family. He was the greatest dad, grandpa and great-grandpa anyone could have, always being there with a hug and a smile. Family gatherings were a common occurrence at the Taneri house, where love, laughter and food were always in abundance. His kindness and generosity were also very apparent in the many friendships he had throughout the community, where he was well liked by all who had the pleasure to have known him.

Whitey married Helen Astolfi on Oct. 9, 1954, at St. Mary’s Church in Warren. They shared 63 happy years together before her passing, July 1, 2018.

He is survived by his six children, Susan (Jack) Senvissky, William Taneri, Nancy (Marty) Higham, Gary Taneri, Darla (Bob) Plant and Janet (James) Goranitis, all of Warren; 12 grandchildren, Tim (Karen) Phares, Tony Pecorelli, Jennifer (Jason) Kohn, Amy (Aaron) Kitzmiller, Michelle (Bruce) DiLullo, Kimberly Phares, Emily Taneri, Megan (Michael) White, Lauren (Christian) Cavalier, Robert Plant, Ian Wilcox and Megan Goranitis; 11 great-grandchildren, Timmy (Jessie), Gavin, Jayden, Haley, Gillian, Ryan, Peyton, Blake, Lexie, Logan and Hailai; a brother, James (Patricia) Taneri; and a sister, Leda (Joe) Lody.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Robert, Connie, Albert, Gene and Roger; and sisters, Mary Taneri and Vivian Ford.

Those attending the calling hours and service are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Family and friends may pay their respects Sunday, July 26, 2020 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483.

A Mass of Christian burial will be Monday, July 27, 2020, at 10 a.m. at St. John Paul II Parish – St. Joseph Church, 420 North St. NW, Warren, with the Rev. Frantisek Katrinak officiating.

Whitey will be laid to rest in All Souls Cemetery in Bazetta.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in William’s name to St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store, 2415 Niles Road SE, Warren, OH 44484 or St. John Paul II Parish, 1346 Vernon St. NW, Warren, OH 44483.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiand sonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guestbook and send condolences to William’s family.

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