John Thomas "Tommy" Tavernaro

August 19, 1954 - February 15, 2021

John Thomas “Tommy” Tavernaro, 66 of Frontenac, KS died February 15, 2021 at his home. He was born August 19, 1954 in Kansas City, MO the son of Angelo and Dorothy (Stillwell) Tavernaro. On June 29, 1979 he was united in marriage to Barbara Jackson in Miami, OK; she survives of the home. Church membership was held at the Lighthouse Tabernacle, additional memberships were AARP and the sons of the American Legion post 182 Arma, KS. Tommy was raised on the family farm by his grandparents, Tom and Cattina Tavernaro. Upon entering kindergarten at Frontenac he had to learn English as he spoke only Italian. He was proud of his family being from Tyrol, Austria. He opened Tavernaro Consignment Auction on July 29, 1980. He then opened Tavernaro General Store in Cherokee, KS in August 1989. He closed both businesses in May 1994 due to health reasons. He is best remembered for his buying and selling most of his life and for loving his family. Additional survivors include a son Steven Tavernaro; two sisters: Patty Claussen and Diana Jamison; along with two grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter: Cattina Tavernaro. Funeral services will be 10 am, Saturday February 20, 2021 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg with Pastor Daryl Gaddy officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6-8pm. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Lighthouse Tabernacle and/or the SEK Humane Society; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS.