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Robert Tara

Robert William "Skip" Tara

1935 - 2018

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Obituary of Robert William Tara

Robert William Tara, “Skip”, aged 83, passed away on December 7, 2018 after battling bladder cancer compounded with Alzheimer’s.  Skip was born to Louis and Ruth Tara on May 17, 1935 in Santa Cruz.  He attended Branciforte Elementary, Branciforte Junior High and Santa Cruz High School (class of 1953).  He married his wife of 47 years, Theresa Tara on May 3, 1959 at Holy Cross Church.  Theresa preceded his death in 2006.

 

After high school, Skip entered the Marine Corp but was honorably discharged 2 months later due to him being color blind.  He worked at the Chevron gas station & loved that job.  Skip left the gas station to work at the Farmers & Merchants Bank where he met his to be wife, Theresa, who worked at County Bank.  Skip joined the family business, Stagnaro Bros, located on the municipal wharf, and worked in various capacities for over 40 years.  Skip enjoyed bowling, traveling, snow & water skiing, cruising his ’56 Chevy, loved the 49ers & Giants, and was a loyal Elk for over 50 years.  Skip enjoyed several cruises with his many friends & family.  He traveled to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Caribbean and the Mississippi River. His home of 50 years on the west side of Santa Cruz was his pride & joy.  He loved swimming in the pool with his children when they were young and again with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed celebrating holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, any reason to celebrate thanks to Theresa.  Skip was a very genuine person, loved by his family, friends & neighbors.  Skip had a kind and gentle soul.  He was always available to lend a helping hand & could fix anything.

 

Skip is survived by his 3 children, Cathy Johnson and her husband Mark of San Diego; John Tara and his wife Carol of Santa Cruz; Bob Tara and his wife Debbie of Santa Cruz, 6 grandchildren, Brett (24), Taylor (22), Nick (21), Kirstyn (20), Justin (18), and Madison (14).  Also surviving him are his cousins, Rick Fife of Scottsdale, Carol Ray and Meryl Carlson, his mother-in-law, Mamie Stagnaro, 2 sister-in-laws, Jeannie McPherson and Carol Tuttle, all of Santa Cruz and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

Celebration of Life will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 11:00 am.

We were all blessed to have such an incredible father & grandfather in our lives.  We love you and will miss you.  We want to extend a special thank you to Dr. Steven Roberts and his assistant Maureen who cared for Skip the last 2 years since his diagnosis of bladder cancer.  Their compassion & willingness to assist our family is greatly appreciated.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Santa Cruz Hospice, The Mary & Richard Solari Center for Compassionate Care, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA  95066.  We will forever appreciate their compassion & guidance.

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Sunday
16
December

Celebration of Life

11:00 am
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel
1050 Cayuga St
Santa Cruz, California, United States
831 423-5721