Lydia Tarantino

July 16, 1922 - May 5, 2023

Lydia Elinor Forni Tarantino, born July 16,1922, entered into eternal life peacefully at home on May 5, 2023 surrounded by her children. A San Francisco native and the second child born to Italian immigrants Stefano (Steve) and Caterina Forni, she and her brother Ray Forni (deceased 1998) grew up on Filbert Street in the Marina District. Lydia attended Yerba Buena Elementary School, St. Rose Academy and San Francisco College for Women (Lone Mountain), receiving a degree in Italian Studies. She studied ballet as a child and was a skilled pianist. In her later years, she became an enthusiastic swimmer. Her motto, ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person’, which meant she made that extra effort as a volunteer for Little Children’s Aid or driving the school nuns.

On May 11, 1947, Lydia married Anthony Joseph Tarantino (deceased 2000) and their nine children quickly followed: Steve Tarantino (Concie), Terry Giorgetti (Rick), Chris McKeon (Tim), Nancy Tarantino (deceased 2019) (Bert Huffman), Annette Weed (Richard), Laura Tarantino, Tony Tarantino (Julie), Lisa Brodsky (Carl), Angela Tarantino (Carl DeSalvo). She was a loving wife, devoted homemaker, and a beloved grandma/ great grandma - endearingly called Lydda, Grandma, and Bisnonna by her 23 grandchildren (+15 spouses) and 30 great grandchildren.

Lydia was an overall amazing mother and strict disciplinarian who never gave less than her all to her family. In later years Tony and Lydia made repeated treks to Hawaii, their favorite vacation spot, and also enjoyed extensive travel. After Tony’s passing,

Lydia began what became a twilight career, helping out at the family business A.Tarantino & Sons, well until her late 90’s.

Always dressed to the nines with a smile on her face, one can never forget her signature eyeglasses! Her generosity of heart and playful spirit were constantly evident. She loved playing board games, speeding through a jigsaw puzzle, and never wanted to miss a Warriors’ game. Lydia was the ‘heart and soul’ of her family, who are so thankful she was able to live as long as she did, 100+ years! Then God called her home and now she will be forever missed, never forgotten.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 24 2023, at St. Bartholomew Church, 600 Columbia Drive, San Mateo (corner of Alameda de las Pulgas and Crystal Springs Rd.) Reception to follow. Private family interment. Colorful dress encouraged!

In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made in Lydia’s name to

Little Sisters of the Poor, 300 Lake St, San Francisco, CA 94118 - or a charity of your choice.