AUBURN - John Tarby, 89, of Standart Woods Apts., died Monday, May 16, 2005, at Auburn Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness. He was the husband of Ida Grabbatin Tarby. Mr. Tarby was a life resident of the Auburn area. He was employed by ALCO until his retirement in 1974. He was an avid golfer and bowler.

Mr. Tarby was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Cymbrak-Fallat Post American Legion, United Steelworkers Union, Highland Golf Club, and the Ukrainian National Club.

Besides his wife, Ida, he is survived by two sons, Stephen Tarbe of West Haven, Conn., and Gary Tarbe of Pine Crest, Fla.; his brother, Edward Tarby of North Syracuse; his special niece and her husband, Ida and Jack Jorgenson; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Services for Mr. Tarby will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, from the Plis Funeral Home, and 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home, 220 State St.