MICHAELENE MARY “MIKEY” TALIANO, age 84, passed away April 21, 2026. Daughter of the late Charles and Sophie Taliano; loving sister of the late Sgt. Chuck Taliano, legendary drill instructor for the USMC’s recruiting campaign. “We don’t promise you a rose garden.” Mikey honored and respected the devotion and duty of all the marines.

Mikey was appointed as a Cleveland Police Officer on September 1, 1964 and retired on April 5, 1998. She began her career in the Women’s Bureau which handled all police calls involving women and juveniles. She spent the last several years of her career as a detective in the Homicide Bureau.

In 1992 Mikey’s investigation led to the successful murder conviction in which a dog was the murder weapon, a historical first in criminal prosecution.

After her retirement, Mikey accepted employment with the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s Office where she spent several years managing the property department.

Along with her deep faith, Mikey had life-long love and compassion for animals. She was involved with pit bull rescue organizations, often traveling to assist in the transporting and re-homing of abused puppies and dogs.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Columbkille Church, 6740 Broadview Rd., Tuesday May 5, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.