Paul C. Tarabrella, 98, of Monongahela, died Saturday, March 13, 2021, in his home. Born June 23, 1922, in Brownsville, he was the son of Carmen and Pearl Hendricks Tarabrella. A graduate of Monongahela High School, Class of 1940, and the Pittsburgh Technical Trade School, Paul entered the U.S. Marines 2nd division during World War II (1942-1946) serving in the Asiatic Pacific in the recapture and occupation of Guam, Marianas Islands. Paul served (St. Anthony’s/St. Damien of Molokai) St. Andrew the Apostle Parish as Eucharist minister for 20 years, with 10 of those years serving Mon Valley Hospital. His active memberships were Secular Franciscan Order, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Mon Valley Leathernecks (the last WWII veteran in the Mon Valley Leathernecks organization.) He retired after 33 years from West Penn Power Mitchell Station, with prior employment at Mariana Mine, Clairton Steel Mill and Mississippi Glass. Paul served as a dispatcher for Tri-Community Ambulance for more than 20 years, served as food packer for Meals on Wheels, coached Monongahela Little League Baseball Fireman team and coached the seventh-eighth grade St. Anthony’s basketball team. He also played inside right center for the Hootowls soccer team, attended all the Pittsburgh Hornets’ home hockey games at Duquesne Gardens (1950– 1951 first cup), attended all Forbes Field Pirates games and was a regular St. Vincent Steelers camp attendee. He married Julia Bradovich Tarabrella on Jan. 29, 1949 — “his biggest accomplishment” — who preceded him in death on Nov. 7. 2019. He is survived by two daughters, Paulette Tarabrella and Carol Schneider; three sons, Michael (Christine) Tarabrella, Timothy (Jane) Tarabrella and James Tarabrella; six grandchildren, Thomas Dierker Jr., Jason (Mandi) Tarabrella, Rebecca Tarabrella, Cathy Tarabrella, Kimberly (Daniel) Alvers and Blanche Tarabrella; great- grandchildren, Meadow, Avery, Samuel, Nicholas, Julia Rosemarie Tarabrella, Gunner, Eliza Alvers; several nieces and nephews that he loved and were special to him; close neighbors, Eucharistic ministers and his beloved care givers from Amedisys Hospice, chosen by him. He was preceded in death by one son, Robert Francis Tarabrella; two brothers, William (Mary) Tarabrella and John (Ann) Tarabrella; a son-in-law, William Schneider; a granddaughter-in-law, Aimee (Petrucelli) Tarabrella; and his beloved dog “Tabby,” a Maltese (that he taught to “come follow”) that shared his daily walks. “Semper Fi.” Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, 724-258-6767. Blessing prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial that will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St Andrew the Apostle Parish, 722 W. Main St., Monongahela. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora, with military honors conducted by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus c/o St. Damien, EWTN.com, Sephalic Mass Association (Capichin Mission/3rd order of St. Francis) 5217 Butler St., Suite 100, Pittsburgh PA 15201, Toys for Tots c/o Howard Weber USMC 831 Five Pines Road, North Huntingdon, PA 15642, or the people concerned for the unborn child (which he and his wife Julia supported together) 3050 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15226. Those who are unable to attend the visitation are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at marshallmarrafuneralhome.com. In order to be compliant with our state guidelines, masks must be worn and social distancing be maintained.
