Joseph Tarentino's passion for music was marked by his attention to detail. A music educator in the Cobb and Gwinnett school systems for more than 30 years, Mr. Tarentino influenced generations of musicians who have pursued professional careers.
Mr. Tarentino, of Marietta, died June 20 from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 65. The body was cremated. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today at St. Catherine's Episcopal Church in Marietta. SouthCare Cremation and Funeral Society of Marietta is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Tarentino was born in Somerville, N.J. and grew up in an Italian family that had music at every family reunion. His love of music was shared by his wife Patricia, whom he met while attending Murray State University in Murray, Ky. They both majored in music and were married for 42 years. They came to Cobb County in 1971.
A professional bassist like his father before him, Mr. Tarentino performed professionally with a number of orchestras and big bands, including the Atlanta Community Orchestra and the Cobb County Symphony. His own jazz combo opened for jazz legends Lionel Hampton and Glenn Miller.
His dedication to his craft extended beyond his personal appreciation of music. He started an orchestra program at East Cobb Middle School and developed orchestra programs in other schools in the Cobb County School district. He returned to summer school at Hofstra University in New York to learn how to repair instruments to help support the student musicians, which led to his operating the Acoustic Music Supply in Marietta.
His family said that the outpouring of appreciation from former students has been a pleasant surprise. "He was on Facebook and several of his former students said they are string teachers or orchestra directors because of him," Mrs. Tarentino said.
"He always built strong orchestra programs and got a lot of excellent ratings when they would perform," said his son, Reid Tarentino of Mableton. Earlier this year, Mr. Tarentino, known as "Mr. T" to his students, received the Georgia American String Teachers Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mr. Tarentino was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2010, but maintained a positive attitude and zeal for life. Mrs. Tarentino said that her husband took a six-month life expectancy and turned it into 27 months.
His dedication to music never overshadowed his family. His wife was his music partner, performing with him in his jazz combo. His children grew up playing instruments.
"Whenever he did something, he always did it the right way, even if it took longer to do," said his son. "I admired my father's drive to pursue the things he wanted in life."
His wife said Mr. Tarentino lived his life according to a motto from his church: "Life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the heart of those who travel with us, so be swift to love, make haste to be kind and go in peace to love and serve the Lord."
"He loved his grandkids, and they were the apple of his eye," said his daughter, Emily Manley of Lilburn. "Nine days before he died, we went to Rainbow Ranch in Cumming. That was his last big adventure. He wanted to take the grandkids trout fishing and gave them all fishing rods."
"He was just a great man who wanted to make a difference in people's lives through music and to help people appreciate both music and life," Mrs. Manley said.
Additional survivors include his mother, Gilda Tarentino of Fairport, N.Y.; brother, Lawrence Tarentino of Milstone, N.J., sister, Rosemary Foos of Webster, N.Y., and three grandchildren.
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