Raymond Taraila, age 77, of Hartly, DE, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2015.
Mr. Taraila was born in Philadelphia on July 24, 1937, to parents Matthew and Nellie Taraila and sisters, Veronica Kriss and Sandy Virdin. At the age of 2, his family moved to Hartly, Delaware, where they operated a grain and dairy farm.
In 1959, he married Pansy Taraila, and together they had 4 children: Darlene, Raymond Jr., Greg and Tim. Pansy Taraila herself passed in October of 2010.
Mr. Taraila graduated from Dover High School, and then received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Goldey Beacom College, after which he enlisted and served in the Delaware Air National Guard. Upon completion of his service he worked in the accounting department at the International Latex Corporation. Soon after though, in order to interact more with people, he joined The Delaware State Police, Troop 3, from where he retired after 20 years at the rank of Sergeant. Following his retirement, he became a Constable at JP 16 for several years.
Throughout his career, Mr. Taraila also proudly bought and worked his own farm, which he dubbed “Triple T” ranch, due to his raising of Paint horses there with two of his children, Darlene and Tim.
HIs farm was located in Hartly, where he was an active member of the community. He was a founding father of the Marydel Little League, where he often volunteered as a coach and an umpire. He also served many years on the School Board of Capital School District, including one term as Board President. In addition, he was appointed to sit on the Delaware State Forestry Board.
In his life Raymond Taraila was happiest being a champion of the “little guy,” eager to help anyone and everyone who needed it. He will be remembered by the many who loved him for his kind heart, generosity, and devotion to serving his community, and he will be deeply missed.
In addition to his sisters and children, Mr. Taraila is survived by his son-in-law, Darlene’s husband, Tom Hutson, and daughters-in-law, Raymond’s wife, Sue, and Tim’s wife, Angel. His grandchildren, Jeremy, Tim, Trey, Jamie, Joe, Julia, and Delaney, as well great grandchildren Sammy, Madison, Riley, and Neveah also survive Mr. Taraila.
A viewing will take place Thursday, February 5, from 6:00 until 8:00pm at Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc., 1175 S. State St., Dover. A Service will take place on Friday, February 6, at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church of Marydel, 522 Main Street, Marydel. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. Immediately following the burial will be a luncheon at the Marydel Fire Hall, 2898 Arthursville Rd., Marydel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be forwarded via www.ambruso.com