Leo Russell (Butch) Tarkett

Leo Russell (Butch) Tarkett of Bluffton, SC passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Caroline’s Cottage, Ridgeland, SC. He was 88.

Leo was born July 12, 1934 in Honesdale, PA to Claire Genevieve (Hutson) and Russell Leo Tarkett. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Linda (nee Plews),daughters Cathryn Cunningham, Patti Ivins (Steve), Susan Spinola (Gerard), sons Michael Tarkett (Christine), Russell Tarkett (Lori) and James Coughlin; grandchildren Michael Russell Helvitson, Samantha Ivins, Caitlin Teeter, Brian Cunningham, Eric Tarkett,  Nathan Tarkett, Ronny Spinola, Angela Spinola, and Danielle Coughlin; great-grandchildren Ryleigh Helvitson, Cora Teeter, Charlotte Teeter, Mila Wind, and Coleman Daniel; sisters Carolyn Burrows (Wesley), and Claire Rosler; nieces Carrie Walker, and Jennifer Romeyn; nephews Peter Kanjorski, Russell Kanjorski, Mark Kanjorski, Paul Kanjorski, Gregory Burrows, and Thomas Rosler. He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Kanjorski (Peter).

Leo grew up in Honesdale and graduated from Honesdale High School in 1952. He received his business degree from Penn State University in 1956. He then enlisted in the US Air Force and served from 1956 to 1960. In 1961he went to work for Rohm and Haas Company in Philadelphia as a Systems Analyst/Manager until his retirement in 1992.

Leo was a devoted father and husband, and his listening ear and great sense of humor brought him many good friends. He loved spending time with his extended family at their annual reunions, where he enjoyed catching up with everyone and beating his sisters at pinochle.

In 2000 Leo and Linda moved to South Carolina to enjoy the gentler climate. He enjoyed theater, sports, jazz music, and reading on the porch. He was a longtime member of The Church of The Cross where he served as a Stephen Minister and was the founding business manager of God’s Goods Thrift Store, where his faith and love of people shined brightest.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, June 29,2023 at The Church of The Cross, 110 Calhoun St., Bluffton, SC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of The Cross food bank, P.O. Box 278, Bluffton, SC 29910, or Friends of Caroline Hospice, 329 Friends Lane, Ridgeland, SC 29936.