Samuel J. Tavoni

SAMUEL J. TAVONI, age 88, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, at the Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester, PA. He was the husband of Marian Campbell Tavoni, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in West Grove, PA (Baker Station), he was the son of the late Domenico and Grace Martelli Tavoni.

He was a self employed Mushroom Grower and was an owner of Tavoni Brothers in Kennett Square, PA

He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, the American Legion Post No. 491, VFW Post 5467, and the Kennett Fire Company, all in Kennett Square.

Sam was a former member and past president of the Kennett Golf and Country Club and a lifetime member and past president of the Italian American Club in Kennett Square.

He served his country as a Sergeant in World War II in the US Army Air Corps. He was a turret gunner and flight mechanic on board the B-26 bomber. He saw action in the air offensive over Europe as a member of the 584 Bomb Squadron and the 394th bomb group. He was wounded on his 30th mission.

He was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, and an avid Baltimore Colts fan. An avid Golfer, he had 3 "hole in ones."

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Stephen K. Tavoni and his wife Kathleen of Kennett Square, PA; one daughter, Phyllis Anne Tavoni Smith and her husband Barry of Kennett Square, PA; two brothers, Anthony and Domenic Tavoni both of Kennett Square, PA; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by one son, Samuel J. Tavoni, Jr. and one sister Hilda.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends on Wednesday morning, September 7, 2011, from 8:15 to 9:15 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA (Phone: 610-444-4116). His funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 at St. Patrick's Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, N. Union Street, Kennett Square, PA.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken, PA 19428 , or to the Kennett Fire Company, No. 1, 301 Dalmatian Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com