Preston Eli Taverna
August 16, 1993 – October 12, 2021
A memorial service to celebrate Preston’s life will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Mayors Riverfront Park (Growlers Stadium), 251 Mills St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048. To make a lasting gift in Preston’s memory please consider Kalamazoo Outfront or Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation.
Obituary
Age 28, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Preston was born in Kalamazoo, on August 16, 1993, the son of Thomas and Stasia (Justice) Taverna, who survive him. He loved nature and had been working since 2019 as Parks Supervisor for the City of Kalamazoo. He loved kayaking, fishing and camping. He had a tremendous sense of humor and he lit up the room when he walked in. He had a strong sense of doing what was right. Preston was strongly opinionated but always with kindness. He was a larger-than-life figure. He enjoyed working on his house. Nothing was more important to him than the love of his family. His death leaves a hole in our hearts. He will always be loved and always be missed. Besides his parents, Preston is survived by his siblings, Carter Taverna, Hayden Taverna, and Addison Taverna, all of Kalamazoo; grandmothers, Delores (Brendan) Gauthier of Kalamazoo, Patricia Justice of Urbana, IL; grandfather, Jerome Taverna of Three Rivers; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and countless friends, especially his special four-legged friend, Nala. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Richard “Dick” Justice; and grandmother, Sandra Taverna.
Nichole and I are heartbroken by this! Our love and prayers go to the Taverna family!
TJ, Stasia, and family… Your pain and sorrow are shared by family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Much love, Auntie Donna ❤️
I keep thinking back to 7-8 years ago when a fairly green Preston came with his dad to a poker game I was hosting. There he sat with a bunch of guys 20-25 years his senior, but he fit right in. The cards didn’t go his way that evening, but he never showed anger in the outcome, more of a good-natured, “Well-whad’re-ya-gonna-do?” attitude, indicative of his fine upbringing. I think I can speak for all of us there, that were all impressed with what a fine young man he was.
Stasia and TJ, I am so heartbroken to know you are traveling this path. There is no amount of words or hugs to fix this, but know I am sending you all the hugs and loves I can. Your whole family is and will be in my prayers. Chrissy
Blessings to the Taverna family. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Preston.
I did not know Preston well, but I do know what an incredibly important role and future he had in the Kalamazoo Parks Department. My heart goes out to his family and fellow employees.
Carter and family, my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your beloved brother. It has been my pleasure working with Preston and watching his career soar with the City of Kalamazoo. Preston commanded the room but always with a bit of humor. Most recently in a meeting, Preston was leaning back in his chair, giving me the what for, then thanked me afterwards for my support and assistance. That was Preston. He will be missed dearly. On behalf of the Human Resources Department, we are keeping you in our constant thoughts and prayers.
I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. Thoughts and prayers to you all…