Joseph H Tatro

Joseph H. “Harris” Tatro, 91, of Gardner, died peacefully Saturday, February 23, following a long illness.

            Born in S. Ashburnham on January 30, 1928, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Zadia (Brown) Tatro.

             Joe was a United States WWII Navy Veteran and received the American Theater Ribbon

and the Victory Medal.

            Joe graduated from Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School of Orange with the Class of 1962, while working full time and raising a family. He was employed by Nichols & Stone Company for 43 years, retiring as a foreman in 1990.

            Joe was a member of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner. Joe was a good man. He was a man of integrity, faith, and strong morals who put his family above all else. He truly valued the loving marriage he and his wife shared.  He enjoyed reading, playing dominoes, and watching political shows. He was an avid sports fan who loved hockey, baseball and football. He was a Little League Baseball Coach in Gardner for many years.  Joe was always a quick wit, he loved keeping family and friends laughing. 

            Joe leaves his wife of 70 years, Pauline C. (Mailloux) Tatro of Gardner; son, Deacon Richard J. Tatro and his wife Brenda of Gardner; daughters, Barbara J. Moy of Millis, MA, Joann C. Dean and her husband Dennis of Derry, NH, and Lisa M. Szramiak and her husband Steven of Marlborough; grandchildren, Kimberly Perry, Michael Tatro,  Matthew Tatro, Timothy Moy, Jennifer Altadonna, and Nathan Dean; great-grandchildren, Logan Perry, Avery Tatro, Paige Tatro, Audrey Moy, and Adler Dean; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Rev. Donald E. Tatro; and sisters, Zadia Smith, Ruth White, Alice Nutting, Wanda Tatro, Leta Cormier and Marion Tatro.

            Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 9th at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Cross Church, 25 Lake Avenue, E. Templeton. Burial will be held in the spring at St. John’s Cemetery of Gardner. 

            There are no calling hours. Family and friends are asked to report directly to the church the morning of services.

            To honor Joe’s wishes, in lieu of flowers and memorial contributions the family has asked that those attending his Funeral Mass please bring one new pair of children’s shoes, any size. These shoes will be donated in Joe’s memory to local children in need.

            Joe has also asked that we be good to each other…and enjoy a glass of red wine.

            Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner is handling the arrangements.