Gaetano Antonio Tagliavia

Gaetano Antonio Tagliavia passed away on September 28, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on January 11, 1945, in Sicily, Italy, and carried with him throughout his life a deep pride in his Sicilian heritage.

Gaetano built a life marked by hard work, warmth, and devotion to those around him. In Sicily, he worked for many years as a fisherman. After moving to America, he continued that same strong work ethic in his employment with Coca Cola and Briggs and Stratton. He also enjoyed working making pizza with friends. His life reflected perseverance and dedication, and he was a man who took pride in providing through honest labor.

He will be remembered as a joyful and generous presence. Gaetano loved to sing, tend to the garden and playing cards with friends. He enjoyed action movies, and he was delighted in telling stories of the older days, sharing memories and laughter with those around him. He was always happy, and one of the clearest expressions of his love was the care he showed at the table: he always made sure those he loved were fed, and he would wait to eat until everyone sat down. Longtime active member of La Confraternita Maria SS Del Lume in Sicily and the Maria SS Del Lume in Milwaukee. That quiet generosity and steady kindness will remain a lasting part of his memory.

Gaetano is survived by his sisters, Benedetta Tagliavia, Maria (the late Salvatore) Salvo and two sisters living in Sicily. He was also a cherished uncle to Vincenza and Matt Berry, Gaetano and Raina Salvo, Donato Salvo, and Maria Salvo-Diaz and Juan. He held his family close, and his love for them will continue to be felt in the stories they share and the memories they treasure. He is further survived by his five children, grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, other family and friends. He will be remembered by his close family friends who were his best friends Graziella Basile and family. He will be deeply missed by his four legged loving companions Coco and Bear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donato Tagliavia and Maria Sanfilippo.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Mission Hills Chapel, 8910 W. Drexel Avenue, Franklin, WI 53132. A prayer service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Hill Memorial Park, 3301 East Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aurora at Home Hospice and the Aurora Cancer center especially Dr. Anthony Ruggeri for the compassionate care they provided. The family appreciates the help from dear friends in America and Sicily that always answered the call to help.

Gaetano Antonio Tagliavia will be remembered with love for his cheerful spirit, his stories, his songs, and the care he gave so freely to family and friends. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved him.