Geno Joseph Tarsi, WWII veteran, volunteer fireman, lifelong resident

Geno Joseph Tarsi, a lifelong resident of Ridgefield, died on Sunday, Aug. 14, at his home on Bailey Avenue.

Mr. Tarsi was born in Ridgefield on Dec. 29, 1915, the son of Atilio and Philomena Tarsi, and was husband of the late Marjorie Santini Tarsi.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Tarsi served with the Red Ball Express in France. "He served his country and his community with unwavering commitment and pride," the family said.

After the war, Mr. Tarsi worked as a local construction worker. All the while he supported his family and held a number of volunteer positions in town. He was a member of the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Engineers Union, the VFW and a parishioner of St. Mary¹s Church.

He spent most of his days in recent years being a part of the local chapter of the Italian American Mutual Aid Society. He held a number of different positions at the club and most recently was the head of building and grounds.

Mr. Tarsi is survived by his son James and his wife Ellen Tarsi, both lifelong residents of Ridgefield; his grandchildren, Melisa Gates of Port Orange, Fla.; James Tarsi Jr. and Nicholas Tarsi, of Ridgefield, and a great-granddaughter Ashley Ellen Gates of Port Orange.

"Geno Tarsi was a beloved friend, husband, father, grandfather and had just recently become a great-grandfather. He was many things but above all Geno Tarsi was a family man. His greatest pleasures involved spending time and caring for his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. With unparalleled generosity and kindness he blessed everyone around him with his flair for life and amazing sense of humor. A one-of-a-kind man, he will be missed but never forgotten as his memory lives strong," the family said.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary¹s Church on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 10:15 a.m.

08/17/2005