Obituary of Stephen Tantillo

Stephen Tantillo, of Conway, South Carolina, died peacefully on February 21, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. He leaves behind his adoring wife of 68 years, Margaret. Also surviving are his son Stephen and daughter-in-law Marie Tantillo of Clarksburg, NJ, daughter Diana Tantillo of Monmouth Junction, NJ, and daughter Lisa and son-in-law Gary Matthews of East Brunswick, NJ. In addition, Stephen had four grandchildren Jean Marie Kobulnick (husband Mark) of Bellmore, NY, David Moran of Denver, CO, Jacqueline Schechtel, and Jared Schechtel of East Brunswick, as well as two great grandchildren, Matthew and Alexandra Kobulnick. Stephen has one surviving sibling, Sandy Deanne who resides in Conway, SC. In heaven, he joins his much missed daughter Linda Moran and son-in-law John (Jack) Moran. Stephen was born on September 10, 1924 in Manhattan to the late Peter and Rosaria “Sadie” Tantillo. He was drafted into the Army straight out of high school to fight in World War II. During that time, he met Margaret and they instantly fell in love and were married on December 15, 1944. When the war ended, he worked for the Post Office before being accepted into the N.Y. Police Academy where he worked as a police officer for 20 years. After his retirement, he became a Federal Protective Officer, a job he loved until the day he retired in 1987. He and Margaret bought a home in Merrick, NY on Long Island to raise their four children during that time. They provided a fun, loving, safe environment for their children to grow and flourish. Stephen and Margaret took many family vacations to Myrtle Beach and grew to love that area. In 1987 they retired to Conway, SC and had many wonderful years playing golf, mahjong, bowling, traveling, and making new friendships. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center St, Freehold, NJ 07728 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a funeral service at 5 p.m. On Wednesday, February 27, 2013 a graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, 1000 S Carolina 544, Conway, SC 29526. All are welcome.