Joseph A. Talarico

Joseph Anthony Talarico, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025 at St. Mary's at Asbury Ridge, at the age of 96, with his family by his side. Born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, Joe was the beloved son of Joseph "Scarpalege" Talarico and Philomena (Pettinato) Talarico.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Raffaella (Ferrante) Talarico; and his children: Tina Talarico of Monroe, Michigan; Joseph Talarico; Adrienne Steppic (Chris); and Anthony Talarico (Jennie), all of Erie. Joe was a loving grandfather to Nicole Talarico, Gabrielle, and Hannah Steppic, who were his pride and joy. His granddaughters were the light of his life, and he was very proud of the intelligent and talented young women they had become. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and by his siblings and their spouses: Angie and Arnold Cacchione, Patrick and Marylou Talarico, Jacob and Eufemia Talarico, and Carmella and Fred Werner.

After moving to Erie as a child, Joe attended St. Michael's Catholic School and Tech High School. He proudly served his country, first enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1946 and serving aboard the USS O'Hare, then reenlisting in 1950 with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. As a Corporal in the 3rd Battalion 6th Marine India Company, Joe was stationed at Camp LeJeune, NC, where he served before his honorable discharge in 1953. He shared his military experiences with pride, often recounting stories to his wife, children, friends, and anyone else who would listen! He was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church.

A hardworking man, Joe began his career at Marx Toy Company before joining the U.S. Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. He was a proud and active union member throughout his working life, deeply valuing solidarity and workers' rights. Upon retiring in the early '90s, he worked part-time at Scolio's Fruit Baskets, a job he thoroughly enjoyed for over 20 years.

Joe had a great sense of humor and was often the butt of the joke with his children. He was always a good sport, partly because he secretly enjoyed it, and had a wonderful ability to laugh at himself. His lightheartedness brought joy to his family and made their bond even stronger.

Joe's passions included reading and music, especially jazz, blues, and classical. He also developed a soft spot for ABBA, sharing countless afternoons enjoying their music with his wife. He was an avid winemaker who crafted many different wines from grapes grown locally in North East. Everyone loved his wine, which Joe continued making until he was 90 years old-an extension of his generosity, craftsmanship, and love for tradition. But his true sanctuary was his backyard, where he lovingly tended to his vegetable garden and fig, pear, and prune trees.

Joe and Raffaella moved to St. Mary's at Asbury Ridge in April, and the family is deeply grateful to the staff there for the compassionate care they provided during his final months. The family is also grateful to Interim HealthCare, and his hospice nurse, Laura, who provided great comfort to Joe and his family in his final days.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of service, humor, family devotion, and quiet strength. He will be dearly missed.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and may attend a prayer service there on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 816 West 26th Street, at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will be in Calvary Cemetery.