Donald G. Tafuni was an educator in Oakland for thirty three years. He retired in 1992 and passed away peacefully in his Virginia home on Sunday, Aug. 31. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Tafuni, whom he married in 1998, and by his son David Tafuni who lives in Colorado.
There is a memorial service planned at the family home, 19 Jordan Place, Churchville, VA, for September 6th, and he will be buried in New Jersey at a later date. The family is requesting that memorial contributions be made to Churchville Rescue Squad, PO Box 608, Churchville, VA.
The Journal has yet to implement an appropriate space to honor the passing of individuals in the community, but felt it important to provide a notice on the passing of a person who dedicated an enormous part of their life to Oakland. As Mr. Tafuni moved to Virginia, it was believed news of his passing might not be communicated as easily through other means; and that the many lives he touched in Oakland warranted this announcement.
I remember Mr. Tafuni wtih great fondness from 8th grade math at Valley. It is now 30 years later but I still remember what a wit he had. He was the chaperone for the Williamburg trip that year and we had great conversation on the bus down. He was a great teacher.
This past weekend, I was talking to my nephew about IHHS. I was telling him about my favorite teachers. Mr. Tafuni was at the top of my list. He was a strict teacher with unwavering guidance, a great sense of humor and, when you delivered a correct answer, he would flash you a smile that made you feel like you won the lottery. You couldn’t help but adore and respect him – and you never wanted to let him down.