Msgr. James T. Tarantino
Monsignor James T. Tarantino passed away, April 25, 2018, on the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist. He was 66 years of age, and had served over 36 years as a priest of this Archdiocese. Born July 25, 1951, Jim grew up in San Francisco, the fourth son of the late Peter and Marguerite Tarantino. He graduated with degrees in psychology and philosophy from the University of San Diego, and then applied to Saint Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. On November 28, 1981, Fr. Tarantino was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Mary’s Cathedral by Archbishop John R. Quinn. He was a Parochial Vicar at St. Gabriel Church in San Francisco and then to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Redwood City. In 1991, Archbishop Quinn appointed Fr. Tarantino as President of Marin Catholic High School.
Father served as Pastor of St. Hilary Church in Tiburon for 13 years. He was named a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor on June 26, 2010, and accepted Archbishop Niederauer’s request to serve in the Chancery of the Archdiocese as Vicar General, Vicar for Administration, and Moderator of the Curia. In 2014, Monsignor Tarantino began his assignment as Pastor of Saint Mark Parish.
Over the years, Monsignor served on numerous committees of the Archdiocese, including terms as dean in southern Marin and dean in southern San Mateo County, and membership on the Priest Personnel Board, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors. For many of those years, Monsignor also represented the Archbishop as the designated Liaison for Charismatic Renewal of the Archdiocese, and was a founding member of the Northern California Charismatic Renewal Coalition.
Monsignor is survived by his siblings Donald (Treva), Richard (Jeanette), Peter (Gerda), Mary (Steve), Maryann (Patrick Mullane), Anthony (Jeanette), and Vincent (Angela). He is predeceased by his sisters Mary Louise and Mary Joan. He was also Uncle Father James to more than two dozen grand nephews and nieces and more than three dozen great nephews and nieces.
“To my family, and to my friends along the way who have been such a tremendous support in good times, and in not so easy times, I say in love, Thank You for all eternity for your love and support.”
A Parish Vigil will be held, Tuesday, May 1st, 6:00pm viewing, 7:00pm vigil at St. Mark Church, 325 Marine View Ave., Belmont. A Vigil Wednesday, May 2nd, 6:00pm viewing, 7:00pm vigil at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1111 Gough St., San Francisco.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 3rd 10:00am at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. A reception will follow the mass. Private family committal Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma.