Donald J Tarallo

Donald J. Tarallo, 88, resident of Paramus, NJ.

Born 6/30/1937 and passed lovingly into the arms of the Lord, 1/30/2026.

Donald, aka Whitey and Poppy, is survived by his younger brother, William Tarallo, his daughters, Jacquelin May Gadaleta and her husband Peter and Janice Eileen Giannatonio and her husband Peter. Donald/Poppy has four grandchildren: Nicolette, Eric, Natalie, and Bryan, who he adored and loved with his whole heart. He is predeceased by his mother: Elizabeth and father, Mario, his older brother Robert and beloved sister, Joan. Donald’s loving and beautiful wife of 30 years, Eileen, is waiting for him in heaven as well.

Whitey was a star football player for Memorial HS in the 1950’s and is most remembered for scoring three touchdowns in one game. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces and proudly served his country.

After marring his HS sweetheart, Eileen, they bough a home in Fort Lee and raised their two daughters. He gave his family the most beautiful life. Backyard fun in their pool, trips to Wildwood Crest and Hershey, PA and countless others. Every Sunday, the family would watch football, and Eileen would prepare her famous Italian “gravy.” Both he and Eileen taught their girls to love animals, and they shared their home with many beloved dogs and ats. On weekends, he and Elieen enjoyed “Saturday with Sinatra” and Donald would sing every song. (He had a wonderful voice!)

Eileen was called to heaven after only 30 years of marriage, although heartbroken, Donald found renewed love through his four grandchildren: Nicolette and Natalie and Eric and Bryan. He was the proudest Poppy and such a big part of their lives.

Poppy was there for all the dance recitals, track meets, musical performances, football games and wrestling matches. He didn’t miss one and was the biggest fan. He took them swimming, ice skating, horseback riding, and on countless vacations to Wildwood Crest. (Where he had them sample every slice of pizza and taste each ice cream flavor on the boardwalk.)

The memories and life lessons he gave his family will never be forgotten. Donald taught us all to have faith, to be strong, confident and to work hard. He led by example, helping others, not afraid to laugh out loud and always being thankful. The endless love he has shown for his family and many friends will carry on for generations.

A memorial mass will be held at the Historic Madonna Chapel in Fort Lee on Wednesday, February 4 at 10:00am

A “Celebration of Life” entombment will follow immediately after at Madonna Mausoleum.

In lieu of any flowers, please make donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind or K9s for Warriors.