Carl passed away suddenly, in the same fashion he had lived his life: moving at full speed ahead and wearing an optimistic smile. Born in Old Forge, PA to Louise and Alex Taffera, the 4th of 8 children, 3 of which have preceded him in death. Carl graduated from high school during WWII, and promptly enlisted in the US Navy. After qualifying for the Naval Air Force, he was transferred to CA for specialized training. There he met the love of his life, Bess Thomas. They were married on August 8, 1948, and soon returned to PA where Carl graduated with a business administration degree from the University of Scranton. Once again, Carl and Bess moved cross-country returning to Bess' hometown of Shafter, CA. There, they made their home, raised their children, and were blessed with many wonderful friendships. Carl enjoyed coaching his sons' Little League baseball teams for several years, and serving 3 terms on the Shafter Planning Commission. He often expressed appreciation that the community of Shafter had been very good to him and his family. Carl's first career was with Shell Oil Company in Bakersfield. He worked as a Landman there for 15 years, and made life-long friends of many co-workers. When Shell Oil Co. moved their home office from Bakersfield to L.A., Carl chose to stay in Shafter and pursue his interests in farming-related industries. He became one of Kern County's early pioneers in both almond processing and chemical fertilizer application. Several years later, Carl returned to his professional roots in oil business when he opened T & T Land Services. This time he got to work with his favorite partner, Bess, offering petroleum land management and consulting services. He continued this business in various forms well into retirement. Carl's life was rich with good friends, loving family, and never without laughter. All who knew him will remember his unceasing sense of humor and ready laugh, his genuine friendliness and generosity, his love of learning and his healthy vitality. He will be greatly missed by many. Surviving family members include his wife of 58 years, Bess Taffera of Shafter; sons, Anthony Taffera and wife Sherri of Fresno, Michael Taffera of Bakersfield; daughter, Carla Taffera-Sperling of Bakersfield; grandchildren, Elizabeth Riddle and husband John Riddle of West Hills, Christopher Sperling of Thousand Oaks, Joseph Taffera of Bakersfield, Andrew Taffera of Bakersfield, Phillip Taffera of Bakersfield, Cameron Taffera of Fresno, and Matthew Taffera of Fresno; great granddaughter, Anaya Riddle of West Hills; brother, Alex Taffera of Wilkes Barre, PA; sisters, Mary Geositts of Allentown, PA, Louise Cavaliere of Wyomissing Hills, PA, Virginia Weikel of Jacksonville, FL; and great aunt, Anna Cesare of Old Forge, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Alex Taffera of Old Forge, PA; sisters, Helen Taffera Czachor and Ursula Taffera, both of Old Forge, PA; and brother, Anthony Taffera of Miami, FL. Coming from humble beginnings, Carl had a great appreciation for the doors that can be opened by quality education. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Joseph's Educational Fund, 1515 Baker St. Bakersfield, CA. 93305. Funeral services wiill be directed by Peters Funeral Home for Carl Joseph Taffera, age 80, of Shafter, who passed away March 30, 2007, in Shafter. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at 10am. Father Robert Wenzinger of St. Joseph's Church will officiate the service and interment will be private. Please sign Carl's guest book at www.clarmar.com.