Michael D. Taris, 90 of Pt. Pleasant, NJ peacefully passed on Friday January 26, 2018 at his home surrounded by family. Michael was born in Manhattan, NY, grew up in Brooklyn, NY and raised his family on the Jersey Shore. He entered the seminary at age 14 and graduated from Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, NY where he received two Master’s Degrees in religion and theology. He was ordained a priest in the Redemptorist Order in 1954. He chose to be a missionary priest and was stationed in Brazil, South America for 16 years. He spoke fluent Portuguese, Spanish, Greek and German and was an avid athlete. In his “second life” Mr. Taris passionately taught Religion and Latin at Monsignor Donovan H.S. in Toms River, NJ from 1985-2014. Throughout the tenure in his “dream job,” Mr. Taris received the Outstanding Catholic Educator award along with the love, respect and admiration of students and staff. A former football coach, videographer for sporting events, and creator of the chess club, Michael dedicated his life to catholic education. His fervent faith in God could be gleaned from his kind words and giving nature. Michael’s palpable love for his family was unbounding and his sense of humor unrivaled. Michael is predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary Taris. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann Taris, his children Michael Taris and his wife Mary Ann of Levittown, PA, Ann Nassiff and her husband Mark of Fall River, MA and Denise Mackay and her husband Michael of Howell, NJ and his 9 grandchildren, Shane, Christian, Michael, Christopher, Hannah, Danny, Julianna, Marielle and Reagan.
Family will receive friends on Thursday February 1, 2018 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals 145 St. Catherine Blvd. Toms River, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday February 2, 2018 at 10am at St. Joseph RC Church in Toms River, NJ. Burial will follow to Resurrection Cemetery in Staten Island, NY. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mr. Michael Taris Memorial Scholarship Fund: Donovan Catholic High School 711 Hooper Ave. Toms River, NJ 08753.