James Francis “Hippie” Tarbuk, 72, of East McKeesport, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday June 8, 2024. Son of the late Melano (Miller) and Mildred (Millie) Tarbuk and brother to Gary (Cherie) Tarbuk. He was a loving husband to the late Debbie (Pearsol) Woodward. An amazing father to Brian (Annette) Tarbuk and his stepdaughters, Shawna Marie and Shannon Woodward. Jim especially loved and was proud of his grandsons, Brian Robert, Matthew and Isaac and step grandsons, Jordan and Jackson. Jim worked at Westinghouse for a time but then retired from the Port Authority, where he worked as a driver, road supervisor, and dispatcher. In Jim’s early years he loved playing baseball. He helped his community by volunteering as a firefighter at Green Valley VFD (F-Troop) where he became a life member and as a member of the Sanitary Authority for the last 2 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed working with wood and had built several cabinets for Green Valley’s social hall. He made numerous wooden clocks and furniture for friends and family; He was always excited for his Ocean City trips with friends and cheering on and supporting his grandchildren intheir various activities. The love for his dog, Butters, was unmatched.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the medical staff that took care of our Dad at UPMC East and Magee.
Arrangements
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Fire Department of North Versailles or Mary Mother of God Parish (East McKeesport).
Friends received Wednesday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at . . .
James F. Kutch Funeral Homes & Crematory
433 Lincoln Highway
East McKeesport, PA 15035
(412) 823-4054
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 11 a.m. St Robert Bellarmine Church, Mary Mother of God Parish.
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8 Condolences
Hippie was a good and loving person. To know him was to love him. My sons and I have wonderful memories of him; he will always remain in our memories and in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May they find healing today in God’s tender embrace and in knowing others remember and care. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
~Author Unknown
He was a good brother in law and he had been through a lot lately. Hope he is at peace now. I still have the Steeler clock he made us. He was a giving person and will always be remembered as such. He love the oldies music. Rest In Peace Hippie.
I remember growing up and going to my cousins Jim and Gary’s for a couple of weeks in the summer. We would do things with their friends and go all over East McKeesport and Wilmerding. In our 20’s we play softball together in East McKeesport. Jim was a very special person and will surely be missed. RIP cousin.
Thoughts and prayers for the family of Hippie! Rest in Peace!!
Rest in peace Jim
Jim – you were the best patient ever. We will miss you so much. -UPMC East ICU
Tarbuck, as I knew him, was a good friend during our school years. I remember him as a good guy that everyone who was his friend was blessed. My husband Brian knew him as “Hippie” from the fire department (Brian was an East Pittsburgh fireman). Our sincere condolence’s to the family. May God help you thru this difficult time and may Tarbuck rest in peace. 🙏. Brian and Candy Whitney
IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO KNOW YOU MY FRIEND 🧡 MAY YOU REST IN PEACE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN…
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