Raffaele 'Ralph' Tarantino, 89 of Lewiston, NY passed away on Friday January 15, 2010 in Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Pentone, Province of Catanzaro, Italy, he was the son of the late Nicola and Eugenia (Capicotto) Tarantino.

Ralph was educated in Italy, and served as a sergeant in the Italian Army during World War II. On June 21, 1947, he married Vincenzina (Citriniti) Tarantino in Pentone, Italy.
From 1948 until 1951, he served as Mayor of Pentone. In 1952, Ralph and his wife immigrated to Niagara Falls, Ontario, and later settled in Niagara Falls, NY in 1954. He worked at the former Kimberly Clark Co. in Niagara Falls, NY from 1954 until 1972. In 1968, Ralph began his career as a barber, a trade he had learned in Italy, opening Raffaele's Barber Shop on the corner of Pierce Ave. and 18th Street in Niagara Falls. He later moved his location to Pierce Ave. and Hyde Park Blvd., where he remained until his retirement in 2009. Ralph was a forty-nine year member of the Barbers Local #780, and had served as their treasurer from 1974 until 2000. He was also a member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society in Niagara Falls, NY where he had also served as secretary. Ralph served as a commissioner on the New York State Liquor Board in Niagara County from 1984 until 1994. During the 1970's and 1980's he served as a committee man for the City of Niagara Falls Democratic Party and was elected to a Democratic committeeman position on the state level. In 2008 he was one of the honorees of the Pine Avenue Business Association's "Cittadini Speciale" award. In his leisure time, Ralph enjoyed golfing, tending to his garden, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of the friends whom he dined with every Tuesday evening at the Como Restaurant in Niagara Falls.

In addition to his wife of sixt-two years, Mr. Tarantino is survived by his three children, Giuseppe "Joseph" (Wendy) Tarantino of Woodstock, GA, Rose Morinello of Buffalo, NY, and Emily (Anthony) Masseo of Woodstock, GA; six grandchildren Alex Tarantino. Nicole Tarantino, Melissa Morinello, Matthew Morinello, Andrew Masseo, and Michael Masseo; two brothers Michele "Mike" (Grace) Tarantino of Niagara Falls, NY, Antonio (late Malia) Tarantino of Pentone, Italy and many nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by two sisters Concetta (late Vincenzo) Pugliese, Maria (late Salvatore) Fava, and two brothers Vincenzo (Antoinetta of Toronto, ONT) and Giuseppe (late Maria) Tarantino.

Family present to receive friends Monday 3 – 8 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where prayers will be held on Tuesday January 19th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, O.S.F.S officiating. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094.