Patricia "Pat" Taranto

Patricia Taranto, Patty, Pat, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 in Ridgefield, CT, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, January 26th. 

Pat was born in the Bronx, NY on June 16, 1942,  the first child of Marcy and Viola (Ceva) Oliva.  Her family moved to Roslyn Heights, NY where Pat was raised with her two, much loved siblings, Bonnie (Oliva) Rabinowitz and John Olivia.  After Pat graduated from Roslyn High School, she married a young marine, Vincent Taranto from Glen Cove, NY.  By 1973 Pat and Vinnie decided to move from Syosset, NY to South Salem, NY with their three sons: Vincent, Michael and David. In addition to being a loving mother, Pat was a devout Catholic and an active member of her church, which included teaching CCD. When it came to homemaking, Pat was a skilled quilter, seamstress, excellent cook and stellar organizer who kept a meticulous home. She was renowned for her great taste, and her advice was often sought after by friends and family members.  As a hostess, nobody entered her home without being offered a meal and nobody left a family gathering empty handed. Pat often shared her recipes with her family and taught those who were willing how to cook. Her grandchildren relished visits to grandma's house where they were sure to get spoiled. If a child was in need, there was no one better to call than grandma. Outside the home, Pat worked for many years as a beloved and caring dental assistant in her South Salem community. 

After Pat was widowed, she retired to Dalton Farms in Poughquag, NY. There she became an active member of St. Denis' church. Her bounding energy coupled with her caring nature led her to serve others and enjoy life during her golden years. As a member of the Dalton Farms' community, she formed a close circle of new friends and organized and hosted many events, including her Italian Night dinners. In addition, she volunteered with the historic Roosevelt clubhouse and St. Denis' R.C. church. Pat became a eucharistic minister in order to minister to the elderly, "her angels", at a local nursing home.  The aid and comfort she provided to others in their time of need will always be remembered.

One of Pat's favorite places on Earth was Lake George, NY. She purchased a second home for her family to visit and enjoy vacationing both with her and without her. Her generosity in sharing her life's blessings with her family and friends knew no bounds. Her memory will continue to be a blessing to all she loved. 

Pat is survived by her three sons: Vincent Taranto, Michael Taranto (Maryanne), and David Taranto (Cathie Smollon); her seven grandchildren: Mikie Taranto (Allison Carver), Marc Taranto, William Taranto, Max Taranto (Chelsea Guarino), Tristan Taranto, Ashely Taranto and Amanda Taranto; her three great grandchildren: Myles Taranto, Myla Taranto and Tex Taranto. In addition she is survived by her sister Bonnie Rabinowitz (Neal), her sister-in-law Margo Oliva  and her nieces and nephews Michael Oliva, Valerie (Oliva) Main (Steve) and Meagan Rabinowitz (Deonna Gould) and many great nieces and nephews as well. Pat is predeceased by her parents Marcy and Viola Oliva, her husband Vincent Taranto and her brother John Oliva.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pat's memory can be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, where 100% of contributions go directly towards research! Cure Alzheimer’s Fund - 34 Washington St., Suite 230; Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, email: info@curealz.org, https://www.venmo.com/u/curealzheimersfund