Thomas G. Talerico

Thomas G. (Tally) Talerico

 Tom completed his Ultra Marathon through life on October 9, 2021.

 Born and raised in Shenandoah, Pa in 1947, he was the only son of the late Joseph and Eleanor (Rusin) Talerico.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Jo Talerico.

 He was the husband of Geraldine (Geri) Bindi Talerico.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Jeffrey (Lisa) Talerico and Grandson Enzo Thomas Charles of San Diego and Greg Talerico of Fort Lauderdale.  He is also survived by his sister Joan Hanosek, as well as brother-in law and sister-in-law Ed and Gloria Gwiazdowski along with thier children, Eric (Carol) Gwiazdowski, Brian (Maria) Gwiazdowski and sons.  Nephews - Joseph (Carey) Hanosek, James Hanosek, and John (Jeannne) Hanosek and great Nieces and Nephews. 

 Tally was a graduate of Saint Casimir’s Grade School, Shenandoah Catholic High School (‘66) and Penn State (‘68) with an Associate Degree in Drafting and Design Tech.  While a Shenandoah Catholic Mighty Atom, Tally earned Varsity Letters Freshman through Senior years in Football, Basketball and Baseball.  He was considered one of the best catchers in the region throughout his 10-year baseball career, spanning Little League, Babe Ruth, High School and Legion.   He was a member of Shenandoah’s only Legion Championship Team, The 1966 A.P. Damato Post Team, as Catcher/Third baseman.

 Prior to his retirement in 2003, he was employed by The State of Pennsylvania for 35 years as an Engineer Tech/Construction Supervisor.  He was also a proud 3rd Generation owner/operator of Talerico Shoe Repair Shop in Shenandoah, Pa until its closing.

 Tally was also well known throughout the running community for his dedication to the sport.  Since the beginning of the “running boom” of the early 1980’s, Tally finished every Marathon (26.2 miles) and road race he entered, with a personal best of 3 hours 20 minutes in the marathon.  He was one of the “Founding Fathers” of the Shenandoah Coal Craker 10K road race.  He was proud of the distinction of being the only runner to have run all 38 races through 2018.  He is also remembered for resurrecting the Cross-Country Program at Cardinal Brennan Highschool in 1990 as well as implementing a Track and Field Program despite the high school not having Track and Field Facilities.  

Tom was instrumental in preserving Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church’s yearly procession honoring The Blessed Mother, even after the church’s closing in 2014.  He held memberships in the Sons of Italy (Girardville Chapter), Flights Running Club, Penn State Alumni Association and was a Lifetime Member of The Shenandoah Heights Fire Company.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, October 15th from 8 to 9:45am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am in Divine Mercy Parish -Sacred Worship Site- St. Casimir’s, 229 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah, Pa with Msgr. Ronald Bocian officiating. Burial will follow in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

Contributions in Tom’s memory may be to: Hillside SPCA, 5 SPCA Road, Pottsville, Pa 17901

To offer condolences, please visit: www.oravitzhomeforfunerals.com

 “So long... I’ve Enjoyed My Run Through Life!”

                                                        ~Tally

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