Arthur P. Tarolli

Arthur P. Tarolli, 83, of Athol, died Sunday, January 20, 2013, in the Heywood Hospital, Gardner, in the company of family. Born in Trento, Italy, on January 4, 1930, Arthur was the son of Valerio and Pia (Pellegrini) Tarolli.  After living the first three years of his life in Pieve di Ledro, Italy, he moved to Athol, where he lived the rest of his life.   A graduate of the 1947 class of Athol High School, Arthur was employed at Eastern Furniture, in Athol, before entering the U.S. Army in 1951.  He completed officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was awarded a silver star for his service in the Korean Conflict, in particular the battle at Pork Chop Hill.  Arthur was an esteemed participant in the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day celebrations in Athol for many decades.   Upon his return to civilian life, Arthur earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree in Education from Fitchburg State College.  He married his wife of 55 years, Beverly (Chase) Tarolli, in 1957. For his entire professional career, “Mr. T” was a dynamic teacher of U. S. History at Athol High School, retiring in 1989.  His summer jobs included painting school spaces for the Athol-Royalston school system, as well as residential homes for Butler’s, Inc.   “Artie” was always involved in athletic or outdoor activities.  In high school, he enjoyed playing baseball and ice hockey, which were followed by participation in adult town leagues of softball and volleyball.  Always a supporter of Athol High School sports, he was a charter member and officer of the Athol Boosters Association.  For decades, he walked the lines of the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game as a judge for the Most Valuable Player trophy.   An avid outdoorsman, Art spent much of his free time hunting and fishing.  He served on the Board of Directors and was a lifetime member of the North Quabbin Anglers’ Association.  He spent many Sunday mornings at the Athol Rod & Gun Club, where he was also a member.   Many will remember Art’s song and dance numbers in local theater productions.  He also enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and offering colorful commentary on the performance of Boston’s professional sports teams from his recliner. Art was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Post No. 102; a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; a charter member of S.T.E.B.S.; and served on the Board of Directors for the Athol High School Scholarship Association.   He leaves his wife, Beverly, of Athol; a daughter, Dianne Pellegrini, of Duluth, MN; a son, James Tarolli, of Leominster, MA; a daughter, Susan Tarolli, of Colchester, VT; and grandsons, Zachary and Michael Tarolli, of Milford, MA.   There are no calling hours.  A private burial, with military honors, will be held in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, Arthur asked that memorial contributions be made to the Athol High School Scholarship Association, PO Box 338, Athol, MA, 01331-0338. $(document).ready(function(){ });