Mary Ann Tarantula

Mary Ann Tarantula (nee Carbone), age 81 – Mother, Grandmother, Activist and Force of Nature - died August 7th, 2024 after a long illness. She was born in Hoboken, NJ on February 15, 1943 to Fred and Carmella (Griffo) Carbone. She grew up in Hoboken surrounded by a large Italian family - Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, many of whom lived mere steps from her apartment door. Mary Ann was the first woman in her family to pursue a college degree, graduating from Jersey City State College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. She began her teaching career in Woodbridge, NJ as a middle school English teacher, and eventually continued her studies, earning a Master of Arts in English Education in 1969.

In the 1970’s, however, she would put her teaching career on hold to raise a family and help build a business with her husband. She married John (Jack) Tarantula in 1968 and together they had two children: Sherry and John, who they raised in Bergenfield, NJ. During this time, she managed the finances for their joint business venture: a fledgling 24 hour auto towing business in Jersey City. Their enterprise eventually grew into a diverse portfolio: gas stations, auto repair shops, an auto parts store along with residential and commercial real estate holdings.

But Mary Ann wanted more, soon developing a passion for civic service. She was one of the founding members of the Franklin School Parents Association, holding leadership roles there, and later with the Bergenfield Schools Friends of Music as well. Volunteer positions turned to a desire to run for public office; she was elected to the Bergenfield Board of Education in the late 1980s and ran for Borough Council a number of times in the 1990s.

In 1993, Mary Ann tapped into her next level of civic engagement – activism and advocacy. She joined the Zonta International Organization and spent the rest of her life fighting alongside her Zontian sisters – advocating and educating to improve the status of women all over the world.

Her contributions to Zonta were many. Mary Ann assumed several organization leadership roles throughout the years. After becoming the President of her local Zonta Chapter, she went on to hold positions of Lieutenant District Governor, District Governor, Area Director, and her proudest achievement: United Nations (UN) Committee Chair. In this role she represented Zonta at the UN, meeting and working with decision-makers from UN agencies and countries across the globe. She was most passionate about working with women's rights organizations around the world, advocating in pursuit of gender equality and striving to end violence against women. It was through her involvement with Zonta that she was able to travel extensively internationally, including Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Amsterdam.

Somehow, Mary Ann also found time to pursue her love for teaching once again – taking professorial positions at her alma mater, now New Jersey City University, and at Saint Peter’s College. Though she was clearly one busy woman, she always treasured time with her family and friends, who remained the center of her existence. There was nothing more important to her than taking the time to listen and give you some much needed advice or encouragement just when you needed it most.

Things she loved: Shakespeare, the color blue, The New York Times Sunday Crossword puzzle (which she usually completed quickly, in pen), the beach, Van Gogh, a nice comfy hoodie, chocolate ice cream, a good margarita, teaching, The New York Yankees, and fighting for a just cause.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter Sherry Ardito (Tony), son John R. Tarantula (Leah), grandchildren Matthew and Luella, her sister Antoinette Prowse, her husband Jack, and so many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were family.

She is predeceased by her Father Alfred (1990), Mother Carmella (1996), and a treasured nephew, Michael Prowse (2006).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mary Ann’s memory to Zonta International Foundation for Women or Lewy Body Dementia Association.