John Tarantino: A Life Rewritten by Love, Loss, and an Unbreakable Mission to Cure Cancer

Some stories begin with ambition. Others begin with love.
John Tarantino’s story begins with both.

Raised in Providence, Rhode Island, John grew up dreaming of becoming a major league baseball player. When he realized he could never master a major league pitcher’s curveball, he turned toward the gifts he did have: the ability to think sharply, speak persuasively, and connect powerfully with an audience. Inspired by iconic fictional lawyers like Perry Mason and Atticus Finch, he learned that great advocacy is built on ethics, courage, and relentless preparation.

Those early lessons shaped the lawyer he would become.

A Rise Built on Integrity and Excellence

John excelled academically, became President of his senior class, and earned admission to Dartmouth, completing his degree in just three years. He worked for two years to afford law school, and fate intervened during that time in a way that would change his life forever.

In the reception area of a job interview, John found himself seated across from a young woman who was competing for the same position. Instead of tension, he offered a lighthearted pact: whoever got the job would take the other to dinner.
John got the job. Pat got the husband.

Married one year to the day after they met, they built a beautiful 45-year life together filled with love, purpose, three children, and four grandchildren.

Professionally, John soared.
He became a shareholder and longtime President of Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C. and held some of the highest honors in the legal profession, including leadership positions in regional and national bar associations. He was inducted into elite legal bodies such as the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the International Society of Barristers. He authored 11 books and more than 200 articles, becoming one of the most respected trial lawyers and speakers of his generation.

But in 2021, everything changed.

The Moment that Reshaped Everything

In April 2021, Pat was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
There was no path to survival.

John walked away from work to become her full-time caregiver until she passed on April 16, 2022. Before her passing, the two made a decision that transformed grief into mission. They committed the proceeds from Pat’s substantial life insurance policies and the sale of their home to cancer research, determined that others might live because she could not.

A New Life Dedicated to Saving Others

After Pat’s passing, John redirected his entire life. He immersed himself in oncology, learning everything he could about emerging treatments, precision oncology, and the future of cancer care.

In 2023, he became CEO of Iylon Precision Oncology, a global oncology company advancing next-generation cancer solutions.
He also became Managing Trustee of the Papitto Opportunity Connection, a major foundation dedicated to uplifting underserved communities through grants in education, health care, entrepreneurship, criminal justice, and housing.

John went further.
Alongside renowned cancer researcher Dr. Sendurai Mani, he formed the Iylon Foundation to provide precision oncology services to impoverished patients at no cost. He also established the John and Pat Tarantino Charitable Foundation, dedicated exclusively to funding research and treatment for pancreatic and other deadly cancers.

A Voice Heard Around the World

Though he remains Senior Counsel and President Emeritus of his law firm, John has shifted his voice from courtrooms to global stages.

His TEDx talk Redemption Stories became the number one TEDx in the world in 2023, surpassing 26 million views.
His 2025 talk You Only Have One Life… Until You Have Another reached more than 8.7 million views.

Today, he is one of the most sought-after speakers internationally.
He has addressed organizations including IBM, The Global Speakers Network, The Hispanic Chamber, Think Network, the National Leadership Conference, The Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, and many more. He is a frequent guest across leading podcasts and global forums.

On December 6, 2025, he will present his keynote, The Enemy of My Enemy, at the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards in Dubai.

A Legacy Rooted in Love

Behind every award, speech, and achievement is a man driven by a promise to his late wife.
John is relentless not for recognition, but because he refuses to accept a world where families lose loved ones to a disease that takes so much and spares so few.

He prays he will live to see the day a cure becomes real.
Until then, he fights for it with everything he has.