Betty J. Tasillo

Betty Jo Tasillo (Birdwell), a tough, caring, and creative Texas-native, passed away at the age of 87 on Thursday, October 7th, 2021 at her home in Potter County, Pennsylvania. In her final hours, Betty spent time chatting with family and eating her favorite fruit – honeydew melon – surrounded by her husband of 65 years, Lawrence (Corky) Tasillo II, her son Lawrence (Larry) Tasillo III, daughter Paula Troutman (Tasillo), son-in-law Arnie Troutman, and granddaughter Melissa Troutman. Betty died in the loving arms of her daughter, Paula.

Betty was born and raised in Texas by her mother, Joy Lee Stanley (Sparks) and was employed by Nabisco as a bookkeeper after graduating high school. Soon thereafter, Betty and Joy visited friends in Potter County, and though Joy returned to Texas, Betty stayed in the area and worked as a bookkeeper at R&R Ford in Port Allegany. She also waitressed at the local diner, where she introduced people to cherry chocolate cokes, and patrons often asked her questions just to hear her Texan drawl. 

Betty later fell in love with and married Potter County-native Corky Tasillo, who taught English, Science and Drivers Education at Coudersport High School (CHS) where he and Betty coached the CHS Rifle Team. The couple also remodeled and rented several properties in Coudersport and owned Coudy Motors Sales & Service, which became Tassis Chassis speed shop, where son Larry, daughter Paula, son-in-law Arnie, and grandkids worked building and servicing race cars. 

After retirement, “Cork” and Betty spent 26 years traveling the United States in a Winnebago before settling back in Potter County in a cabin they designed and built together.
Betty is survived by her husband Corky, son Larry, daughter Paula, son-in-law Arnie, grandchildren Melissa, Justin, Benn, Brett, and Angela, and great-grandchildren Alan and Louis.

In accordance with her wishes, Betty’s family will hold a private memorial.

The family has entrusted the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 North East St. Coudersport, PA, with Betty’s arrangements. 

To share your fondest memories of Betty or to sign her guestbook, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

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