Susan “Sue” Nancy Tarantino, 62, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. She was born on October 14, 1961, in York, Pa., to Sabino “Sal” Tarantino and Susan Guzzo Tarantino.

Sue held an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology from Central Piedmont Community College, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Industrial Psychology from Appalachian State University, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from UNC Charlotte. She began her recruit firefighting career with the Charlotte Fire Department in 1984 assigned to Station #8, moved through the ranks to become Captain, and was promoted to Battalion Chief in 1999. While working with the department, she also served as an instructor at Central Piedmont Community College. Sue retired in 2011 from Battalion 6. She also acted as president of the family-owned company, Eyes on Fire Investigative Services. In addition, she was an instructor in numerous training programs throughout the United States and abroad, including Bath Iron Works, Norfolk Naval Station, and Texas A&M University.

Sue was a known athlete, earning a scholarship in gymnastics and diving while at Appalachian State University. She competed in numerous running events throughout the Eastern United States, and represented the Charlotte Fire Department at the 1991 World Police and Fire Games in Memphis, Tenn. During these events, Sue brought home the gold medal in the Women’s Open Triathlon and placed fourth overall for the Women’s Cycling Open Road Race.

Sue was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was dedicated to her family and her fire service family. Sue was also a very dedicated caregiver to her parents, whom she loved dearly.

Those left to cherish Sue’s memory are her loving husband, David A. Lowery; sons, Mark W. Lowery (Stefanie), and Matthew B. Lowery (Jackie); brother, Rich Tarantino (Mary); sister, Barbara Panas (Jeff); and grandchildren, Jacob, Hannah, Carson and Kailey.

A Prayer Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home chapel with Father Carmen V. Malacari officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnel2Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org), Arthritis Foundation (https://www.arthritis.org), or Holy Spirit Catholic Church (Denver, NC).

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is proudly serving the Lowery-Tarantino family.