LEWISTON – John “Coach Tag” Taglienti, Jr., 98, a former resident of Jay, passed away Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at Montello Manor in Lewiston. He was born August 12, 1923, in Livermore Falls, the son of John and Italia (Lucarelli) Taglienti, Sr.
He attended schools in Livermore Falls, graduating in 1941 from Livermore Falls High School. After high school John joined the United States Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1946. On Nov. 9, 1946, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, he married Rose Mazzei.
John graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 1950 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education-Physical Education. In 1951 John began his teaching career as a substitute teacher and assistant football coach at Jay High School. Upon completing coaching classes from UMO he was promoted to head football coach and later he became the Athletic Director. He taught many subjects including physical education and drivers’ education, and coached many girls’ and boys’ sports. He later narrowed his subjects to physical education and drivers’ education. Coach Tag credited his success in coaching to the excellent assistant coaches and each individual’s talent and ability. After a home game, Rose and John would welcome the coaches to their family home for coffee and dessert and talk about the game.
John retired from Jay High School in 1986 after 35 years of coaching. He was named Coach of the Year for his conference in 1985. In 1987 the JHS football field was dedicated and named after Taglienti and in 1991 an award in his name was established to recognize the Outstanding Player in the Campbell Class C Conference. In 2002 Taglienti was inducted in the Maine Chapter of the National Football Foundation, College Hall of Fame. After retirement he went on to substitute teach at Leavitt Area High School.
John enjoyed being outdoors, working in his yard, having family gatherings and watching and talking football.
John is survived by his son, Ronald Taglienti and wife Diane of Auburn, daughter, Gina Taglienti-Landry and husband Kevin also of Auburn, son-in-law, Clark Monaghan; his grandson Robert of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and grandson, Benjamin Morin, and wife Stacey of New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Rose; his daughter, Terry Monaghan; and his sisters, Anita Alvino, and Louise Terreri.
The family wishes to thank the exceptional staff of the Montello Heights and Manor/Commons, Drs. Nicole Boutaugh and Pamela Ross and Tina Love, NP., Kindred and First Light Home Care and AHHS Palliative and Hospice Care. And a special thank you to Dr. Michael Parker. Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com
A private service will be held on Nov. 9. Arrangements by FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine.
In lieu of flowers,
contributions can
be made to:
John and Rose Taglienti, Jr. Scholarship Fund,
C/O Spruce Mountain Regional School District
RSU #73
Superintendent’s Office
9 Cedar St.
Livermore Falls, ME 04254