Steven “Steve” Tatro, a resident of Jasper, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 16 at his home in Jasper Highlands after a 7-month illness. Steve was born on January 10, 1955 in Acushnet, MA and spent the majority of his school years in Fairhaven, MA. He grew up an “only child” of Earl and Stefanie Tatro. He also has an “only child” daughter Lyndsay Marie Tatro, who was born in 1978.
After graduating from Fairhaven High School in 1972, Steve began working on his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Steve often said his aviation career started, “as soon as he could tell a bird from an airplane.” As a child, he had airplanes on his mind. “Someday,” he thought, “I’m gonna fly.”
In October of 1975, his dream came true as he achieved his Commercial Pilot Certificate. Over the years, Steve flew for numerous regional airlines, his most notable being Captain and Check Airman for Provincetown Boston Airlines (PBA). PBA was the last scheduled passenger-carrying DC3 Airline. His career continued as an Inspector Pilot for the FAA, as well as a Flight Check Pilot inspecting all the U.S. Aviation Airspace facilities. Over the years Steve flew such notable individuals as Jackie Kennedy and John Kennedy Jr., as well as many other celebrities.
During the time Steve worked for the FAA, he met Ellen Beville, who was also a pilot for the FAA. The two were married on May 19, 2001 in Nashville, Indiana. Steve and Ellen just celebrated their 24th anniversary in May. They did everything together and their motto was, “two peas in a pod, always and forever.”
Steve was always interested in music, and in 1999 Steve and Ellen began their musical journey as a duo, with Steve playing guitar (of which he had many) and Ellen on keyboard.
Over the years they performed at many events including weddings, retirements, as well as various private parties at which they entertained audiences with top 40 songs of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, adding a smooth jazz flavor. After a performance at a “Relay For Life” event, a few children came up to them and asked for their autograph. “I guess they thought we were famous.” Steve laughed. Steve also used his talents to worship the Lord, as he was a member of several church’s Praise Bands over the years, most recently playing guitar at New Beginnings Church in Jasper. Steve’s music touched many lives.
Steve also had a great love for classic cars. As an adult, he owned three classic Corvettes. His dad owned his own car repair business and through him, Steve learned how to do his own mechanical work on his cars, assuring they were meticulously cared for and kept in pristine condition.
Steve is survived by his wife Ellen Tatro, daughter Lyndsay Tatro, stepsons Brad Beville and Brian (Elaine) Beville, as well as grandsons Brody, Bryce, and Blake Beville. He is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Stefanie Tatro.
A celebration of life was held on Monday, July 21 at 11 a.m. at New Beginnings Church in Jasper.
Arrangements were entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, Jasper Chapel, 21 East Fifth Street, Jasper, TN 37347 (423)942-2682.
The Marion Tribune – July 24, 2025
