Salvadore J. "Penue" Taranto

Salvadore J. “Penue” Taranto, 78, lifelong resident of Biloxi, passed away on April 3, 2016 in Ocean Springs. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Mr. Taranto had a long battle with COPD but never lost his zest for life. His confinement was made easier with the love and support of his family and friends, especially his cousin Fabian Taranto and his lifelong friend Earl “Bun” Blessey who never failed to visit him, often daily. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his cousin, Linda Jo Feister for helping his passing be so peaceful. He spent many hours recording music and making replicas of The Rockin’ Rebels, Johnny Elmer and the Rockets, and The Biloxi Blues Band, all of which he was a member of for many years. He was the 1st King of the Italian American Society, a “diehard” Notre Dame fan and the Founder of the Biloxi Boxing Club. Under his tutelage every boy was provided the equipment he would need, at no cost, and many charities benefited from the club. He was a life member of the Biloxi Elks, President of his family’s Cousin Club, Deputy Commissioner of the Mississippi Athletics Commission and employed with Taranto Amusement for 55 years. He is preceded in death by his father, Leo P. Taranto; his mother, Eula Broussard Wright; and his sister, Rose Marie Williams. He is survived by his son, Leo (Pam) Taranto; daughter, Lisa (Ryan) Merten; sister, Ann Marie Johnson of Graham, WA; grandchildren: Zack and Blaze Rymniak, Salvadore Taranto, Taylor and Emma Merten; his nephews, Jimmy, Mark, Greg, Steve, Randy, Kevin and Mike Williams and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Survivors also include his wife, Linda Taranto, her children, Denver (Dana) Anderson, April (Ron) Chambers and grandchildren, Autumn Anderson, Hunter, Blade and Brooke Watts. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue Chapel, Biloxi, MS. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 11:00am at St. Michael Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Biloxi Elks Club. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com