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May 10, 2018
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral on May 3 to remember longtime pastor and administrator Msgr. James T. Tarantino, who was described as a charismatic priest with a vision for big projects and an abiding belief that Christ put the good news in the hands of the faithful to proclaim it publicly, never to hide the light.
Msgr. Tarantino died April 25 after a long illness. He was 66 years old and a priest of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for 36 years. He was named a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, with the title of monsignor, in 2010.
For Msgr. Tarantino, discipleship could not be merely private, one of his oldest priest friends, now-Spokane, Washington, Bishop Thomas Daly said in his homily at the funeral Mass he concelebrated with Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone.
Public discipleship in the spirit of Matthew’s Gospel, shining one’s light before others, was a common theme throughout Msgr. Tarantino’s career and characterized his service as president of Marin Catholic High School and later as pastor of St. Hilary Parish in Tiburon. He made a mark on both organizations with his pastoral and organizational skills, often served up with musical and dramatic flair. Msgr. Tarantino “was considered a builder in more ways than one,” Bishop Daly said.
Msgr. Tarantino served in his last official role as pastor of St. Mark Parish, a small church in San Mateo County where the slower pace was restorative. “I found him to be at peace at St. Mark’s,” Bishop Daly said.
Ordained by Archbishop John R. Quinn on Nov. 28, 1981, Msgr. Tarantino served at parishes including St. Gabriel, San Francisco and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Redwood City, before his appointment as president of Marin Catholic in 1991.
He was appointed pastor of St. Hilary in 1997, serving for 13 years. In 2010, Archbishop George Niederauer appointed Msgr. Tarantino vicar general, vicar for administration and moderator of the curia. In 2014, he was assigned to St. Mark.
Msgr. Tarantino served on numerous committees of the archdiocese, including terms as dean in southern Marin and dean in southern San Mateo County, and membership on the Priest Personnel Board, the Presbyteral Council and the College of Consultors. For many of those years, he also represented the archbishop as the designated liaison for Charismatic Renewal of the archdiocese, and was a founding member of the Northern California Charismatic Renewal Coalition.
Diagnosed with “terminal” cancer in his early 20s, Msgr. Tarantino had refocused his life on God’s will, the archdiocese said in a message to priests, religious and laity. Following his unexpected recovery, he had often reflected on the life he had been given.
The message shared a parting quote from Msgr. Tarantino:
“Were it not for the difficulties of my youth, I would likely never have appreciated the years that followed. God’s call and invitation to become a priest was dramatic; in fact, a miraculous experience. I thank God for loving me and for offering me the grace to choose the right path, even though at times I did so reluctantly. For any and all failures, especially those that may have hurt others intentionally or unintentionally, I ask for forgiveness and truly offer my deepest sorrow and apology.
“To my family, and to my friends along the way who have been such a tremendous support in good times, and in not so easy times, I say in love, thank you for all eternity for your love and support,” Msgr. Tarantino said. “Finally, my thanks to God for allowing me the opportunity to represent Him even though at times I did not live up to the grace given. I thank You for everything for You are everything. Without You I was nothing. Without You, I am nothing. With You I am everything. Thank You for all of the love that made my life worth living.”
Survivors include Msgr. Tarantino’s siblings and their spouses Donald (Treva), Richard (Jeanette), Peter (Gerda), Mary (Steve), Maryann, Anthony (Jeanette), and Vincent (Angela). He is predeceased by his sisters Mary Louise and Mary Joan.
Remembrances may be made to the Priests’ Retirement Fund, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109.
Brother priests were among hundreds of mourners who gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral on May 3 for the funeral Mass for Msgr. James Tarantino, who died April 25 at age 66. Several bishops and Cardinal William J. Levada also were in attendance. (Photo by Dennis Callahan/Catholic San Francisco)