Alan "Al" M. Tarara

Alan M. Tarara, “Al”, age 52, of Tewksbury, formerly of Wilmington and Malden, passed away suddenly on April 21, 2023, while on vacation with his family in Aruba.

Al was the beloved husband of Diane E. (Higgins) Tarara for 19 years.  He was a devoted father to Kaylee, age 17, junior at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School and Alaina, age 13, seventh grader at Wynn Middle School.  He was the cherished son of Robert Tarara and the late Irene (Millan) Tarara of Wilmington, dear brother of Stephen Tarara of Acton, loving son-in-law of Paul and Paula Higgins of Malden, brother-in-law of Karen & Edward Holden of Topsfield, Paul Higgins, Jr. of Georgetown, Robert Higgins & his fiancée Hinna Sharwani of Salem, NH and Susan Higgins of Peabody, uncle of Colin, Ella & Cora Holden, nephew of James & Barbara Tarara of Westford and John & Muriel Millan of Surrey, England.  Al is also survived by many cousins and childhood friends.

Al was born and raised in Wilmington.  He was a 1988 graduate of Shawsheen Valley Technical High School.  Always a craftsman, Al attended school in Michigan to study and be trained in the art of guitar repair and construction. Al became a licensed master plumber while working at Webber Mechanical and then became a successful business owner of Tarara Plumbing and Heating for many years. He continued his career working for National Grid. At the time of his passing, Al was employed by Petro Home Services and was a proud member of Teamsters Local #25 for the past 10 years.  With his strong work ethic, he was always dependable, reliable and well respected which made him and his skills highly sought after, he was the ultimate problem solver. He enjoyed teaching and passing on his knowledge. He offered advice and assistance and took calls at all hours of the night to help his colleagues.  Always extending a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. 

Whenever Al was not working you could find him on the golf course with friends or fishing while enjoying a good cigar.  An avid New England Patriots fan, Al was a season ticket holder. He loved attending live music concerts, especially vintage 80’s hair bands. After a long day of work you could find Al sitting on the couch with his iPad playing Golf Clash, snuggled up with the family dog, Lola, or in the garage, which he considered to be his man cave.  He would constantly be reorganizing the garage, moving his tools, polishing his golf clubs, preparing for yard work or perfecting his golf swing. Many times after a rainstorm you could find him washing his truck in the driveway. He looked forward to family time on Crystal Lake every August, fishing and making his famous pizza that everyone loved.

Al was everything you would want in a friend or colleague.  He had the same group of friends since childhood and gained so many additional, great friends over the years. Many great times were had on Glenrock Avenue in Malden with his best friends. He was the life of the party and had an infectious laugh. You definitely are a better person if you were lucky enough to know him.

Above all, Al was a devoted family man who always put Diane and his girls first.  Al and Diane’s love story began in 2002, marrying in 2004 and welcoming two beautiful daughters into their family.  He most recently taught Kaylee how to drive and encouraged her cosmetology endeavors. He loved attending Alaina’s basketball games, he was her biggest fan.

There will never be anyone else like him.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Tuesday, May 2nd from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Life will take place at the Four Oaks Country Club, 80 Meadow Creek Drive, Dracut, MA on Wednesday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations in Al’s name may be made to the Alan M. Tarara Scholarship Fund, c/o The Tarara Family, 11 Captain Circle, Tewksbury, MA  01876.  This annual scholarship fund will be awarded to a deserving plumbing student at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School.