John Frank Tarajcak 89, passed away peacefully Friday December 30, 2016 in Payson, Arizona.
Beloved husband of Virginia (Tanno) Tarajcak of nearly 70 years. Devoted father of Kathy Sutherland, Steve, Dan, Ricky, and Vicki and her husband Gio Giordani. Loving Grandfather to David, Michelle, Danielle, Angela, Gianni, and Giulio. Great Grandfather to Megan and Davey. Brother of Richard Tarajcak and his wife Barbara from Chesterland, Ohio. Further survived by several loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, John met Virginia at Maple Heights High School. After serving as a Marine in WWII, John married in 1947 and moved to Arizona where he and Virginia raised their 5 children. John attended ASU and worked his entire career, of over 40 years, with Shamrock Foods Co. where he eventually retired. John and his family were passionate about spending time together at their cabin in Payson, Arizona. Many memories were made and shared. John was a loving, caring, and gentle soul with a welcoming smile and contagious laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him. A Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2017 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Ave. in Phoenix, AZ 85016. Interment will
follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.