Jack Tropiano

Obituary Jack Tropiano was born on March 21, 1924 in Tacoma to Mary and Domenico Tropiano. On April 6, 2011 he returned to Our Heavenly Father surrounded by his loving family. After high school Jack enlisted in the Army and joined the 503rd Airborne Division during World War II. Following the service, he went to the Police Academy and proudly joined the Tacoma Police Department. His career abruptly ended due to a serious accident while on duty. Jack's strong determination and perseverance propelled him to other careers which included owning his Italian Food Import Co., then subsequently serving as a Pierce County Deputy Coroner until retirement. Faith in God and his family were most important to Dad. He loved to gather for family meals, enjoying his time with all of us. He loved nature, gardening, music, reading whatever he could learn something from, and cooking. He was an excellent cook and created all his own recipes. We learned a lot working with him at the deli making Italian sausage, sauce, and ravioli; and helping him with charity events. Dad was a genuine, caring, and compassionate man who embraced life, friendships, and community service. Though he endured daily pain, he never complained, instead being thankful for what he did have and constantly challenging himself to be stronger. He helped on numerous projects over the years for the Elks, Knights of Columbus, Christopher Columbus Society, and the Eagles. We are grateful for the lessons he taught us on commitment, honesty, endurance, and being good to others. Dad's devotion and love for mom and all of us will live in our hearts forever. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Millie, daughter Colette (Charles) Kaperick, sons Jack (Debby) Tropiano, and Jeffrey Tropiano, grandchildren Caris Berry, Matthew Berry, Vincent Tropiano, Mario Tropiano, and Lauren Soto, two great-grandchildren, brother John Tropiano, sisters Virginia Trigg and Beverly Johnson, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by daughter Paulette. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, April 12th, 7:00 P.M. at Gaffney Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, April 13th, 11:00 A.M. at St. Charles Borromeo Church. The family suggests memorials be made to The Tacoma Rescue Mission or the Elks Children's Therapy Program. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.