William E. Tarasuk, 79, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, surrounded by the loving embrace of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Bill was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the son of Harry Tarasuk and Mary Rose Marchio. He was the oldest of four siblings and is survived by his sister Diane Larkin, and brothers Robert Tarasuk and Harry Tarasuk, their spouses, and families.

A graduate of Central High School in Bridgeport, Bill worked tirelessly to earn scholarship support that allowed him to attend Duke University, an opportunity that shaped his life and one he remained deeply grateful for. A proud graduate of Duke, Bill remained a lifelong and passionate supporter of the Duke Blue Devils, cheering on the basketball team until the very end of his life.

While at Duke, Bill married the love of his life, Karen Tarasuk. Their marriage of 57 years was the foundation of a beautiful life together filled with family, friendship, and shared adventures.

After Duke, Bill continued his education, earning his dental degree from the University of Tennessee and later completing his periodontal specialty training at the University of Connecticut in 1976. He went on to practice as a respected periodontist in Waterbury, Connecticut, for his entire career, caring for generations of patients who were grateful for his skill, kindness, and dedication.

Bill and Karen raised two children: Randall Tarasuk and his husband Charles Pavarini, and Lindsay Tarasuk and her husband Michael Aroesty. Bill was a devoted and proud grandfather to Jakoby William and Sydney Aroesty, who brought him endless joy.

Affectionately known as “Billy T” to family and friends, Bill had a zest for life and loved spending time outdoors. Winters were often spent alpine skiing at Okemo Mountain Resort with family and friends, creating cherished memories on the slopes. Summers brought him to the fairways of the Country Club of Waterbury and Okemo Valley Golf Club, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf.

Bill was also a passionate and accomplished bass fisherman, winning numerous tournaments on Candlewood Lake and taking treasured fishing trips to the Thousand Islands in Canada and throughout Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Competition and commitment were hallmarks of Bill’s life which were equally carried through his daily routines. An avid jogger for nearly 20 years, Bill completed 4 marathons, and he ran his 4th and personally most significant race, the 1986 NYC Marathon, completing the milestone achievement with his devoted wife, Karen.

Later in life, Bill and Karen made their home in Stuart, Florida, at Mariner Sands Country Club, where they built many wonderful friendships, especially with friends who shared their Connecticut roots.

Bill believed one of the best ways to show love was through hospitality. He took great joy in gathering family and friends, sharing meals, laughter, and good company. Dad gave so much of himself to make sure everyone around him was having fun, enjoying great food and drink, and feeling welcomed and cared for.

Friends may call at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main Street North, Southbury, CT 06488, on Monday, March 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Waterbury, Connecticut, on Tuesday, March 24th at 10AM. Burial will follow at Lake Elise Cemetery, Middlebury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury, Connecticut, P.O. Box 1612 Waterbury, Connecticut 06721, in memory of Bill and the generous spirit he shared with everyone around him.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence for Bill’s family, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com