Joseph R. Tanfani

Joseph R. Tanfani, 83, a Phillipsburg native and longtime resident of State College, PA, died on Tuesday at his daughter’s home, surrounded by family, following a brief illness.

Mr. Tanfani was born in Phillipsburg on Oct. 24, 1937, the last of six children of Giuseppe and Giuseppina Tanfani, both Italian immigrants.

He was a graduate of Sts. Philip and James Catholic High School, Churchman Business School in Easton, Pa. and Elmira College.

He married his high-school sweetheart, the former Ann Marie Wallbillich, in 1956. She died in 1980.

Mr. Tanfani retired as an accountant and corporate controller. An accomplished cook, he was fond of entertaining friends at dinners. He used his skills in his later job at Wegman’s supermarket, where he demonstrated favorite dishes like lamb and pan-seared scallops.

A passionate golfer, he was a longtime member of the Mountain View Country Club in State College. He also was a member of the Nittany Knights Chorus in State College. He enjoyed visits to family members in Italy.

He was a big man, with a big heart, and a big voice to match. He loved to be the center of attention and would, at every opportunity, seize a microphone to sing “That’s Amore,” or “Wild Thing.” He made friends everywhere he went and made it his conviction to have fun (and ice cream) every day.

He is survived by four children: Joseph R. Jr., (Christine) of Haddonfield, NJ., Mary Tanfani Reed of Clarks Summit, PA., Lois Macarchick of Johnson City NY, and Ann (Jon) Perry of Morrisville, PA, and five grandchildren: Elizabeth, Joseph D., Natalie, Claire and Emma. Also surviving is his longtime companion, Marion Williams of State College.

He donated his body to science. A celebration of his life will begin at the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg, on Sunday, April 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Philip and St. James Catholic Church, 430 S. Main St., Phillipsburg.