James E. Taaffe

James E. Taaffe, 87, of Hermitage, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, February 13, 2026, in St.John XXIII Home.

Mr. Taaffe was born August 4, 1938, in Youngstown, OH, a son of the late Peter and Marcella (Sweesy) Taaffe, and graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1956.

On August 18, 1957, he married his beloved wife, Theodora “Teddie” Comninos. They were blessed with four children and 68 wonderful years together.

For many years, Jim worked as a Division Controller for International Paper Co., retiring in 1997 as a Plant Controller at the company's Philadelphia, PA, plant.

Jim was of the Catholic faith.

He was a member of the International Association of Accountants, the National Credit Union Society, and was a life-member of the Elks, Sharon Lodge 103.

In addition to reading, Jim loved to play golf and participated in several leagues throughout his life. He also enjoyed traveling, especially during retirement with his wife, Teddie.

A gentle, funny, loving, and hardworking man, Jim instilled these strong values with grace as he raised his children. Later in life, he found his greatest joy was being a grandpa to eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by three sons, Tim Taaffe (Janice), Chattanooga, TN, Kevin Taaffe (Lois), Lino Lakes, MN, and Dennis Taaffe, Hermitage, PA; a daughter, Jill Dokey (Randy), Howell, MI; a brother, Jerry Taaffe, of Virginia; a sister, Maureen Chiasson, Austintown, OH; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his twin sister, Janet West, and her husband, Ray West.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of both John XXIII Home and Helping Hands Hospice for their exceptional kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be directed to 2835 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203; or online at: https://www.alz.org/pa.

Visitation will be 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday (2-20-26) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Sharpsville.