Born on April 1, 1944 in Claveria, Cagayan, Philippines, Mr. Taruc was the son of the late Maximo Taruc, Sr. and Justiniana Leaño. He started his career as a school teacher and worked his way up the career ladder to a Head Teacher, to a Principal I and Principal II, and eventually earned his PhD in Education to become a District Supervisor. His career as a Supervisor in the Philippines was distinguished for many years before he retired at the age of 65. He also played the clarinet in a band which was his side gig for a few years and which he pursued as a hobby. As a Musician, he was granted a college scholarship to earn his degree in Education; he was also the Conductor for his Rondalla and a Choir Master for school competitions. He was a strong advocate for the promotion of his deserving co-teachers, often writing recommendations to the Division Officer. He inspired the practice of giving awards and recognition to both pupils and teachers. Mr. Taruc was best known for his fair judgement and equal approach to everyone working under him. This resolute desire to help others was shaped by his humble roots. Being the oldest of 8 children, he helped his parents by selling magazines on foot and travelling to nearby towns selling slippers. From this humble beginnings came the spearheader of an organization, as one of the founders of what is now known as the Claveria Agri-based Multipurpose Cooperative. He became an entrepreneur by owning an appliance center and becoming the biggest distributor of propane gas in Claveria. Because of this, he was able to provide 100% of his daughters' education through Nursing, Physical Therapy and Medicine. He was respected for his strict, yet loving approach as a father to his five daughters by instilling his core values of generosity, honesty and respect, humility and kindness, discipline and competence, courage and endurance, indomitability and willpower, optimism and hope, and fear God. He was a devout member of the Couples for Christ, the Cursillo of the Catholic Church, and a pious attendee of Catholic masses.


His zest for life manifested through his love for outdoor activities like traveling, a walk in the neighborhood, dining out, going to the movies, and shopping. In his last months, he enjoyed driving to the Veteran's Park in St. Petersburg, FL. and travelled in his own style to London, Paris, and Italy for his 80th birthday. He had a great appetite for food and enjoyed his occasional coffee jelly and taro boba and treats from Red Ribbon. Mr. Taruc was very social and he kept his connections from home through his Facebook social media. He had a collection of his happy selfies and warm smiles.


His deep love for his family and his keen insight into people made him a cherished figure in the lives of those who knew him. Like a wondrous ray of light that shone in resplendence, he will be deeply missed by all.


Mr. Taruc was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Edelwina, and his brothers Roldan Taruc and Maximo Taruc, Jr.


He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Rosita Taruc; his daughters Florosita "Chita" Castillejos (Gil), Linaflor "Lina" Hernandez, Cherryll "Cherryll" Libed (Boyet), Mylene "Mylene" Ladera (ex-spouse, George) and Verlyrose "Verly" Torres (Kim); 11 grandchildren; his siblings Blesilda Zamora, Espedita Jarabe, Blanche Nacar, and Reynald Taruc; his sister-in-law, Dialita Mandac (Elpidio); and special family members Eden, Ron, and Len.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7809 46th Way, Pinellas Park 33781, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Reception follows.


Memorial Service and Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, R. Lee Williams Chapel, 3530 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL. 33710

Donations to the family can be made through Zelle to Cherryll Libed at 817-456-8110 or on venmo at @Clibed.