Robert William “Skip” Tara
May 17, 1935 – Dec. 7, 2018
Resident of Santa Cruz
Robert William Tara, “Skip”, aged 83, passed away on December 7, 2018 after battling bladder cancer compounded with Alzheimer’s. Skip was born to Louis and Ruth Tara on May 17, 1935 in Santa Cruz. He attended Branciforte Elementary, Branciforte Junior High and Santa Cruz High School (class of 1953). He married his wife of 47 years, Theresa Tara on May 3, 1959 at Holy Cross Church. Theresa preceded his death in 2006.
After high school, Skip entered the Marine Corp but was honorably discharged 2 months later due to him being color blind. He worked at the Chevron gas station & loved that job. Skip left the gas station to work at the Farmers & Merchants Bank where he met his to be wife, Theresa, who worked at County Bank. Skip joined the family business, Stagnaro Bros, located on the municipal wharf, and worked in various capacities for over 40 years. Skip enjoyed bowling, traveling, snow & water skiing, cruising his ’56 Chevy, loved the 49ers & Giants, and was a loyal Elk for over 50 years. Skip enjoyed several cruises with his many friends & family. He traveled to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Caribbean and the Mississippi River. His home of 50 years on the west side of Santa Cruz was his pride & joy. He loved swimming in the pool with his children when they were young and again with his grandchildren. He enjoyed celebrating holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, any reason to celebrate thanks to Theresa. Skip was a very genuine person, loved by his family, friends & neighbors. Skip had a kind and gentle soul. He was always available to lend a helping hand & could fix anything…