Obituary

Matthew J. Tarosky, 48, of New Hope, PA, formerly of North Bethesda, MD, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 6, 2015..

Born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, Matthew was raised in Vandergrift, PA and attended Kiski Area schools. He played saxophone in the Kiski Area marching band, symphonic orchestra and jazz band receiving numerous awards.. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from Duquesne University; his doctor of pharmacy, ambulatory care and internal medicine from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and his executive juris doctorate in health law from Concord University School of Law in California. Most recently Matthew was the director for regulatory compliance for Medical Devices and Diagnostics Global Services, a division of Johnson and Johnson.

In 2012, Matthew retired from the Commission Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service as a Captain after 22 plus years of service. He was an expert in public health matters, specializing in regulatory affairs and compliance, disaster preparedness, response and ambulatory care. Under the sponsorship of the US Public Health Service, Matthew worked with the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness. As Chief Pharmacist with the U.S. Public Health Services’ Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Matthew served a crucial role in the government’s response to the 911 terrorist attacks and on the medical response teams responding to over 20 natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

Matthew oversaw the introduction of many new and innovative medical treatments and drugs and developed many of the government’s protocols for responding to such crisis resulting from the September 11 terrorist attacks, the anthrax assaults, the Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy natural disasters. He traveled the world on behalf of the U.S. government, sharing his knowledge and expertise with other governments, officials and health care providers. Matthew was a strong advocate for education. He encouraged young people to enter the field of medical research and innovation and mentored many young people in their career progress. The impact of Matthew’s professional dedication and expertise has had a worldwide impact and will be felt for generations.

Matthew loved to travel domestically and internationally, enjoyed dining out, savoring fine wines and being active in his spare time running, skiing, biking and home renovation projects. He treasured spending time with his family and friends and spending holidays and special occasions with those he loved. His beloved wife, Judy, was undeniably the center and focus of his life. He will be missed dearly by her and all those who counted him as a much loved son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor and colleague. He was truly a shining light for all who knew him.


Matthew is survived by his wife Judith Lynn Howard Tarosky; his parents Theodore A. and Judy M. Smith Tarosky of Vandergrift, PA; his sisters and their husbands Diane and Lance Doka of Pittsburgh, PA and Justine Tarosky and Sean Patton of Gaithersburg, MD; his niece and goddaughter Natalie Doka; his sister-in-law Jacquelyn Howard of Arlington, VA; his brothers-in-law and their families John Howard Jr., his wife Kim and their children Heath and Edwin of West Chesterfield, NH and James Howard and his wife Roxanne of Chesterfield, NH. Matthew was predeceased by his wife’s parents John and Jean Howard.

The mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 10, at 12 noon at St. John the Evangelist Church, 44 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday morning from 10 am until 11:30 am at the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530 (vhmfh.com).

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).

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