Salvatore “Sal” Tarantino 76, of Colchester, passed away at home in the early morning of October 31, 2024. Born April 17, 1948, in Stamford, CT; he was a son of the late Salvatore and Katherine (Tisano) Tarantino. After graduating from Stamford High School in 1966, Sal went on to attend Sacred Heart University, earning his Master’s degree in Social Studies and History. He would use his degrees to teach others throughout his life, serving as an educator within the Stamford school district, and to the public at large through his program “Rev Ed” which gave a personalized view of life during the War of Independence that created this country.

In the 1970’s, Sal was the lead guitarist and lead vocalist in a rock’n’roll band named the People Of Time. He would never lose his love of music and played at local venues for others’ enjoyment.

During the Bicentennial, Sal started out doing a Revolutionary War militia impression. He joined the 5th CT Continental Line in 1975 as an infantryman and came to command the Light Infantry company.

In 1978 he formed Sheldon's Horse, 2nd Regiment Light Dragoons. Not content to merely wear the uniform, he threw himself into taking riding lessons from a former Polish cavalryman. Sal became an expert rider and always viewed the mounts as equal to the men-at-arms in terms of being unit members.

On September 23, 1995 two of Sal’s greatest passions came together when he married his wife Carol (Henderson), in an eighteenth-century wedding, and they would go on to spend the next 29 years building a life together, participating in many historical reenactments and displays, while caring for their beloved rescued horses, and maintaining their farm in Colchester. Sal was an avid supporter of United States Veterans, creating the Patriot Veteran’s Coffee House in Willimantic this year.

Sal will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Carol Tarantino; brother, Peter Tarantino; sister, Maria Kentala; sister-in-law Elizabeth (Liz) Henderson, along with many other extended family members and dear friends. A memorial service celebrating Sal’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.auroramcccarthyfuneralhome.com.