Deborah Tarantino

Deborah Tarantino

October 11, 1951 - August 13, 2025

Obituary

Deborah C. Tarantino, a lifelong resident of Florida passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. She was 73 years old.


Deborah was born on October 11, 1951 in Davie, Florida to her parents Robert and Patricia O'Halloran their first child of seven.


Deborah was predeceased by her husband Richard Tarantino, her mother and father, and sibilings, Deidre Ann O'Halloran, Robert William O'Halloran Jr., David Francis O'Halloran, Gregory James O'Halloran, Stephen Michael O'Halloran and Scott Christian O'Halloran.


She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Domonique O'Halloran, Brittany O'Halloran, Lauren O'Halloran, Ryan O'Halloran, Declan O'Halloran, Channing O'Halloran, Megan O'Halloran, Christopher O'Halloran and Zacchary O'Halloran.


Arrangements are entrusted to Weems & Sons Funeral Homes, 512 East Noble Avenue Williston, Florida 32696.


Deborah moved to Manhattan, New York to persue a dancing and modeling career. She visited the Pine Grove Resort Ranch as she loved to ride and met her future husband Richard Tarantino the owner. They were married and managed the Pine Grove Ranch together as well as Tara Arabians. Later in life they relocated to Bell, Florida and opened Nature Coast Tree Corporation and Rock Bluff Ranch.


Deborah loved all species of animals and was very passionate about saving, adopting, funding and caring for those who had been abused or neglected. She was a talented and avid dressage enthusiast earning her Bronze, Silver and Gold medals from the United States Dressage Federation. Her most recent accomplishment was winning the Prix St George Adult Amateur Championship on her lovely Luistano, Centauro Dos Sonhos at the Summer Sizzler. She was an incredible artist and enjoyed sketching the animals she so deeply loved.


A Celebration of Life service will be held October 12, 2025 at Golden Ocala Country Club, 8300 NW 31st Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34482 beginning at 11:00 with a reception to follow. We kindly ask that you RSVP to taylorsstore@me.com (Wendy Smith) by October 1st so that necessary arrangements can be made.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VOCAL Voices of Change Animal League, 6393 SW 52nd Street, Ocala FL 34474 info@vocalforpets.org - or an organization of your choice.


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A Memorial Tree was planted for Deborah C. Tarantino
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Weems & Sons Funeral Homes - Williston
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Suzanne Coopersmith
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It was decades ago I walked into her barn and bought one of her Arab horses. And quite a few years later we picked up on a ‘texting’ friendship, bonded by our love of animals esp. our horses. I admired her courage, perseverance and spirit. My dear friend I will miss you. Suzanne Coopersmith
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Cheyrl A. Etheridge
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I had the privilege of knowing Deborah, her mom and her sister She was a friend of my sister Dona Lore. She had let Dona visit every day Roy one of her retired horses. She was such a blessing to us. I am saddened by her parting. I know she has entered in heaven with her family and friends that have gone on before us Deborah give my sis a hug, when you see her. Enter in to the joy of the LORD Cheyrl A. Etheridge
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Sue Samuels
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I am Sue Samuels and I danced with Debbie at the Broward Civic Ballet for many years. She was a talented and beautiful dancer.
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Flo Samuels
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Debbie was my first roommate when she moved to New York.
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Ann Almond
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What started as a fun employment by Deborah at her Nature Coast Trees and Rock Bluff Ranch in 2014 quickly turned into a wonderful and cherished friendship. Our common passions of Arabian horses, art, animal kindness, and glorifying God for all His blessings brought us closer and we felt more like sisters. She loved hearing my stories of my trail ride and camping adventures and eventually joined me on a few rides including my horse birthday parties. Getting back into her riding after years off reignited her passion. I even got her to join me for a hiking camp at Torreya State Park-a big departure from her normal routine! She was such a wonderful, talented, sweet person who lit up every room she was in with her brilliant smile and twinkling eyes! She made you feel special and important every time she talked with you. I miss my dear friend, but will see her again in heaven.
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