Louis J. Taroli, 71, of Duryea, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. He was born in Old Forge on October 25, 1952, and was the son of the late John J. Taroli and Freda (Nehme) Taroli.
Lou attended Old Forge High School. For many years, he was employed as a truck driver for Kane Trucking Company. He then worked as a police officer with Drug Task Force serving the municipalities of Pittston City, Avoca, and Duryea and later retired from the Duryea Borough Street Department after several years of employment.
Louis was a one-of-a-kind character who was well known and respected by many. His social reach was vast and impressive. His passion for comic-cons paired with his love for classic cars and memorabilia put him in a position to befriend numerous celebrities who all valued his friendship. His involvement in the entertainment industry was the source of endless "edge of your seat" stories that made his life fulfilling and made spending time with him memorable.
For twenty years, Lou worked as an undercover narcotics officer in our local region. He took his job seriously and in some cases, became a mentor to those he served. His deeply caring nature made Louis truly special and a person of great impact. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his niece Raeann Merlino.
Lou is survived by his wife of 39 years, Maureen Thompson Taroli; his daughter Angie, at home; his sister Rose Marie DeLucca of West Pittston; half-brother Samuel Rice and his wife Carol, of Maryland; and his half-sister Sandra Wright and her husband John of Maryland. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, his devoted dogs, and his very close friend and longtime business partner Bob Catalano.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at 11:00am at Queen of The Apostles Parish Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca with Fr. Phillip Sladicka officiating. Friends may call for visitation on Tuesday morning from 9:00am until time of mass. Interment will be privately held at the Marcy Cemetery, Duryea.
May your soul rest in peace my friend condolences to your family.
Tom Schott, Duryea.
Maureen - Sending my sincere condolences to you and your family on this very sad loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, with hopes that special memories will sustain you through this difficult time.
Judi Newman
One of the true greats. Like-minded celebrity lover, we shared our love of Star Trek,Richard Nixon, and all things memorabilia and collectibles. My wife and I were in our low 20's when we met Bob and Lou. We've loved them both ever since. They made our lives more fun! and that's just the kind of guy Lou was. And, he would give you the shirt off his back, especially if it had a Star Trek insignia on it, and you really wanted it! RIP my friend. You were a pleasure, and you will never be forgotten.
He was for sure one of a kind. Loved by many many people and he will be greatly missed. RIP Lou 🙏 you were one hell of a man.
Edward Whitt