Michael B. Taddei

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Silvio Taddei; and mother, Puerina (Buccella) Taddei.

On June 12, 1971, he married Lynn A. (Lesh). They were devoted to one another for 56 years. He is also survived by his children: Michele Taddei, Dominic (Kristen) Taddei and Anne Marie Moreland; the apples of his eyes, his grandchildren: Eden (Mason) Ronan, Ava Taddei and Nicolas Taddei; brother, Anthony Taddei; special friend and “sister,” Mary “Bubzie” (Joe) Malcotti; and close family cousins, Bernard (Rose) Taddei and Rita (Jack) Nagle.

Mike devoted his life to his family, faith and community. He was a lifelong member of St. Demetrius Catholic Church. Mike served Tunnelhill Borough for nearly 50 years, mostly as council president. He began his love of the restaurant industry working at Erculiani’s Restaurant and later helped his cousin, Danny, at the Allegro Restaurant in Altoona. Mike went on to own and operate Taddei’s Restaurant. In the early years, he began working on the Harry Leone’s Work Gang at Bethlehem Steel Mill in Johnstown. He became a welder in the car shops. After its closing, Mike owned and operated Taddei’s Trucking, hauling for Cooney Bros. Coal Co. He eventually retired from Cambria County PennDOT.

Our “Pappa Bear” was a special man loved by all who encountered him. He had an infectious laugh and handed out nicknames with ease. Mike enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He could be heard handing out critiques freely from the bleachers. His heart was full when he went fishing and spent time at the family’s Camp Red Wine in Potter County. He loved to go for car rides, where he had a “captive audience.”

The world is a better place for all he contributed. He will be immensely missed by his family and friends. The family would like to extend special thanks for all the care and support to UMPC Montefiore Center for Liver Care, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Altoona, UPMC Mainline Medical Gallitzin, US Renal Care Altoona, Pinnacle Hospice Team and Heather and Jess at S&T.

Friends will be received Thursday, May 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gibbons-Houser Funeral Home Inc., 301 Church St., Gallitzin, where a vigil service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, at St. Demetrius Catholic Church, Gallitzin, the Rev. Fr. Albert Ledoux, celebrant. Committal will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery Gallitzin.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.gibbonsfunerals.com.