Dennis G. Taraszki

Dennis G. Taraszki, age 78, a lifelong resident of Erie, PA, passed away Sunday, September 5, 2021. He was born on September 24, 1942, son of the late Chester and Geraldine Taraszki.

Dennis proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1966 as an electrician on the USS Taussig in the Seventh Fleet during the Vietnam War. After his service, he returned to his hometown where he met and married Nancy Knipper and settled down to build a family. Dennis and Nancy just celebrated 54 years of marriage this past August. Dennis worked at Kaiser Aluminum and later Accuride as an Inspector for over 30 years. He was a member and greeter at St. James R.C. Church.

Among his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his blood donor record, giving over 30 gallons of platelets before his health prevented him from donating more. He continued to find ways to practice generosity, a trait that earned him many friends and an untold number of benefactors. He was an avid swimmer and bowler in his younger years and loved to go golfing with friends in later years. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors, whether deer hunting or simply to experience the beauty of nature. He loved spending time with his family and friends, playing cards and sharing memories. He overcame many health conditions late in life that would have sidelined most others - instead, he remained upbeat and was grateful for every day of the extended time the Good Lord gave him. Through all the challenges, he maintained his sense of humor and humility - one day at a time.

Dennis will be deeply missed by his surviving family, wife, Nancy; son, Mike (Cathy); daughter, Penny Guild; sister, Sandy Comella (Jim); nephews, Craig and Andrew Leonardi; grandchildren, Joe (Jessica), Ben, and Lauryn Guild; a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Guild; and many loving cousins and friends, especially his good friend, David Erdely.

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2607 Buffalo Rd., on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and are invited to attend a Prayer Service there on Friday at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. James R.C. Church. Interment will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by American Legion Carl Neff Post 571. Dennis' family would be grateful for any charitable donations be made to St James Roman Catholic Church or Maria House Projects.

May the long-time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way on.

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