Obituary: Henry Joseph Taillacq, 68, Former Newton Resident

Henry Joseph Taillacq, age 68, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025. Born and raised in Newton, MA, he was a true New England man who spent nearly his entire life in Massachusetts, where he built his career, family, and friendships before embarking on a new journey and relocating to sunny Arizona last year.

He was born on July 20, 1957, in Newton, MA. He graduated from Newton North High School, where he was a dedicated student-athlete. He went on to build a long and loyal career, working for Chiswick for over 20 years, then spending another 20 with Central Garden & Pet. After retiring in 2022, Henry simply couldn’t sit still—he kept busy babysitting, picking up Uber shifts, meeting new people wherever he went, and forming connections that brightened everyone’s day.

Carrying on his stories, stubbornness, sense of humor, big heart, and a thousand cherished memories are his two children and their families: his son, AJ Taillacq, and his wife, Cassie, and their son, Luca; and his daughter, Casey Donovan, and her husband, Dan, and their two daughters, Brinley and Mackenzie. He is also remembered with love by his siblings: his brother, Eugene Taillacq, and his wife, Kate; and his two sisters, Marion Mitchell and Belinda Banchik, and her husband, Michael; as well as his brother-in-law, David Mitchell.

Above all, his proudest and most cherished title was “Papa” to his three grandchildren. They were his very best friends, bringing him endless laughter, love, and joy every day, and they were his entire world. He is fondly remembered as Uncle Henry by his two nieces, his three nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is now finally reunited with his soulmate, Janet Lee Cafferky, with whom he shared nine wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and adventures before her passing in 2019. He also now joins his parents, Emilio Henry Taillacq and Jean Henrietta Taillacq, his uncle, Ernest Taillacq, and his Nana, Marion Greene.

Henry will be fondly remembered for his unwavering reliability and generosity. If he said he would be somewhere, he made sure to arrive at least ten minutes early—often even sooner. Beyond his punctuality, he was always the first to offer a helping hand to his family and friends. A devoted New England sports fan, Henry could always be found cheering for his favorite teams. He also spent countless hours giving back to the community through Marlboro Babe Ruth Baseball as a coach, umpire, and league commissioner. Henry loved talking to everyone he met, and he lived by a simple mission: to make at least one person smile each day.

He also enjoyed playing poker, always plotting his next hand and sneaking in a clever “snipe” or two to keep the game interesting, as well as playing LCR with family during the holidays. Henry’s loved ones always knew they could count on him, and his selfless devotion, big heart, quick wit, and zest for life left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

We will continue his legacy and will adapt, adjust, and overcome this loss with the strength and love he instilled in all who knew him.

Family and friends will gather in Massachusetts in May 2026 for a celebration of life in honor of Henry. Details to come. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Henry’s name to the Melanoma Research Foundation at https://melanoma.org/