Introduction

In 1953, Barney Taranto officially founded Taranto Construction Company, laying the cornerstone of what would become one of Staten Island’s most respected family-run construction firms. A proud veteran of World War II, Barney served as a U.S. Navy Seabee in the Pacific, where he first honed the craft and discipline that would define his life’s work. Returning home after the war, he spent time as a firefighter on Staten Island, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to take a bold step—he bought a plot of land, built two homes, and sold them. The success of that venture sparked the beginning of a legacy.

A Staten Island resident since early childhood, Barney took immense pride in shaping the landscape of the island he called home. Over the decades, he helped develop many of the neighborhoods that now define Staten Island’s South Shore, giving countless families their first foothold in a new community. His work wasn’t limited to homes—Barney’s company became integral in constructing commercial spaces, including branches of the Staten Island Savings Bank, medical suites, office complexes, strip malls, and religious institutions that continue to serve the community today.

Barney instilled in his four sons—Dana, Cris, Brian, and Zane—the same values of craftsmanship, honesty, and hard work that guided him from the start. When they took the helm of Taranto Construction, they carried forward that legacy, ensuring that every project reflected their father’s vision of integrity and excellence.

Today, the company remains proudly family-owned and operated. Zane Taranto, Barney’s youngest son, together with his son Nick and nephew Phil, continue to uphold the Taranto name and tradition. More than 70 years since its founding, Taranto Construction still operates with the same spirit of dedication and community pride, offering a full suite of services—from project development, budgeting, and estimating to project management, construction, and closeout.

Residential Alterations and Development

From the very beginning, Taranto Construction has had a keen understanding of what people truly want in a home. Barney’s original vision was simple but enduring: to provide well-built, fairly priced homes that met the needs of working families—“everything you need and nothing you don’t.”

In the postwar years, as families began seeking refuge from the crowded cityscapes of Brooklyn and Manhattan, Taranto played a key role in creating Staten Island’s early suburban neighborhoods—long before the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connected it to the rest of New York City. Many of those first homes still stand proudly today, often in the hands of the very same families who purchased them decades ago—a testament to the company’s quality and commitment.

As Staten Island’s landscape evolved and available land grew scarce, Taranto shifted its focus toward client-driven projects. Today, the company specializes in everything from kitchen and bathroom renovations to roof raises, extensions, and even full demolitions and rebuilds.

Working hand in hand with architects, engineers, and designers, Taranto helps clients turn concepts into reality, guiding them through every step—from design development to final closeout. With an “old-school” dedication to craftsmanship and accountability, coupled with a modern embrace of new technologies, materials, and sustainable practices, Taranto ensures that each project honors the company’s heritage while meeting today’s evolving standards.

Commercial, Medical, Religious, and Educational Development

Beyond residential construction, Taranto has built an impressive portfolio of commercial and institutional projects across Staten Island and beyond. From shopping centers and professional offices to medical facilities and religious institutions, the company brings decades of experience and precision to every endeavor.

Taranto’s long-standing relationships with local medical professionals have provided deep insight into the unique demands of healthcare environments. The company has handled everything from medical suite buildouts to MRI magnet replacements and the construction of entire diagnostic centers. Taranto has proudly built and serviced Regional Radiology’s facilities since their inception, collaborating closely with engineers, designers, and vendors such as Siemens to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently—minimizing downtime and maintaining patient care continuity.

The company has also left its mark on the community’s spiritual and educational landscape, with projects for institutions such as Gateway Cathedral, St. Joseph–St. Thomas, Holy Rosary, and the Oakwood Heights Community Church. These endeavors have included new construction, extensions, and gymnasium renovations, each completed with the care and grandeur expected by parishioners. Most recently, Taranto partnered with St. Charles Church and School, overseeing chapel renovations and addressing key infrastructure improvements.

In the commercial sector, Taranto’s partnerships with financial institutions like Staten Island Savings Bank and Northfield Bank have resulted in the construction and modernization of numerous facilities. The company’s expertise also extends to retail and specialty projects, such as the recent buildout of Emily’s Boutique, where fine craftsmanship and detailed trim work brought the owner’s vision to life.

Our Team

Zane Taranto – President & CEO

The youngest son of founder Barney Taranto, Zane grew up immersed in the construction world. Over the years, he has been involved in nearly every major Taranto project. With a particular passion for interior construction and design, especially kitchens and bathrooms, Zane has built a loyal clientele who trust his keen eye for detail and his unwavering commitment to quality—returning to Taranto time and again for projects of every size.

Nick Taranto – Vice President

As Zane’s son, Nick represents the next generation of leadership at Taranto Construction. A seasoned on-site coordinator, Nick blends the technical skill and work ethic he learned from his father with his own experience in commercial glazing and project coordination. His hands-on approach and focus on scheduling ensure that every job runs efficiently and meets the company’s high standards.

Phil Taranto – Executive Operations Manager

Phil, the son of Dana Taranto and nephew of Zane, also grew up on job sites, absorbing the family trade from a young age. With a degree in Construction Management and over 15 years of experience at a leading Manhattan construction management firm, Phil brings a wealth of organizational expertise and large-scale project insight to the company—all while maintaining Taranto’s hallmark family-oriented approach.

A Legacy Built to Last

For more than seven decades, Taranto Construction has stood as a pillar of Staten Island’s growth and development. What began as a veteran’s vision has become a multigenerational family enterprise rooted in craftsmanship, trust, and community. Whether building a family’s first home, modernizing a business space, or restoring a beloved local landmark, Taranto Construction continues to shape the future—one project, one family, and one foundation at a time.