Aloysius James Tavalsky

Aloysius James Tavalsky, 85, also known as “Big Al”, “Hoko”, “Mr. T”, “Ally”, “Sonny”, “Coach “, of Palmer Twp., PA passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Abington Manor in Easton, surrounded by his loving family at his side. Born on June 27, 1940 in Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late James and Eleanor (Sarisky) Tavalsky.

He attended Windber High School and graduated from Bullis Prep School. Al earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Juniata College where he lettered in football and track. Al proudly served in The United States Navy, as a medic at Bethesda Naval Hospital where he gave aid to President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Al was a beloved biology teacher for 34 years at Phillipsburg High School. He also served as the assistant football coach and head track coach for Phillipsburg High School and Phillipsburg Catholic High School. Al was the manager of Walters Park Pool in Phillipsburg and of Firth Youth Center. Al started and owned Tavalsky & Son Painting.

Aloysius is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Joy Marie (Link) Tavalsky; children, Gregory Tavalsky and his wife, Nancy of Easton, PA; Therese Rizzolino and her husband, Robert of Easton, PA; Bruce Tavalsky of Easton, PA; grandchildren, Dr. Karissa Rizzolino-Dauscher and her husband, Kyle Dauscher; Robbie Rizzolino; Nicole Rizzolino; Juli Corso and her husband, Mark Corso; Jaclyn Jones and her husband, Matthew Jones; great-grandchildren, Blake Corso, Brayden Corso, Cole Corso, Anna Belle Jones, Caroline Corso, Charlotte Corso,, Genevieve Jones, and Kennedy Dauscher.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Piskurich and her husband, John (Mungie); and brother, Ronald Tavalsky.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.) A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 AM followed by interment at Northampton Memorial Shrine, Green Pond Road, Easton, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in Al’s name to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com