Rick "Tarp" Tarapczynski, 70, of 19 ^th Street, Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Leo and Eleanor (Jones) Tarapczynski.

Rick was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and served in the United States Marines. He was currently employed as the director of maintenance and funeral associate of the M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel since 1998, and also worked at the Days Inn in Niagara Falls for several years.

Tarp was an avid lottery player who bought scratch-off tickets daily. He also frequented at the Seneca Niagara Casino where he enjoyed drinking Pepsi, smoking cigarettes and winning on slot machines. He also enjoyed playing cards, watching Columbo and football, cheering for the "GOAT," Tom Brady, and fishing. He was also a passionate fan of Shania Twain and was so happy he was able to see her in concert with his children.

Above all, Rick loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays, special celebrations or while camping. His sense of humor, gift of gab and quick-witted way will never be forgotten by his family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Rick is survived by his children, Tammy (fiancé Clayton Brigham) Tarapczynski, Rick Tarapczynski, Jr., Jacqueline (Brandon) Janese and Julia (Norman, Sr.) Locher; his loving companion of many years, Andrea DeFranco; his beloved grandchildren and "paw-paw" to, Ryan, Tyler, RJ, Moonie, Atticus, Blaise, Norman Jr., Noah, and Christian; one great-grandchild, Easton; his siblings, Mike (late Patricia) Tarapczynski, Jim (Carol) Tarapczynski, Gina Tarapczynski, Bob Tarapczynski and Bill Tarapczynski, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Hal, Sue, Joe, Tim and Mark Tarapczynski.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 5 from 1 - 6 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, where funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:30 A.M. Interment will be held privately in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, PO Box 37920, Boone IA 50037 or jdrf.org. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.