Kenneth M. Tapper

Our beloved father, Kenneth Martin Tapper, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the age of 86. He is survived by his daughters Brenda (Brian) Banes, Diana (Lew) Hicks, and Tracy Tapper; his stepchildren, Judi (Dave) Dowell, Ruth (Chuck) Berwick, Robyn M. Terrigno, Peter (Karen) Megronigle, Stephen (Karen) Megronigle, and Bobby (Donna) Megronigle; his sisters Nancy (Jim) Applegate, Patty Doto, Kay Leeds, and Linda (Vince) DiCicco; his grandchildren, Scott Banes, Michael Banes, Erin Banes, Kevin Banes, Lewis Hicks, Kenneth Hicks, David Hicks, Andrew Hicks, Raimen Tapper, Vanessa Tapper, Talia Tapper, Jared Tapper, Chrissy Clancey, Andy Terrigno, Joey Terrigno, Danny Megronigle, Todd Megronigle, Beth DiFazio, Melissa Justen, Sherry Rado, Neil Megronigle, and Nathan Volpe; and dozens of nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren, with two more on the way this year.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Wilma (nee Warfel) Tapper, his beloved son David Martin Tapper, his brother Donald Tapper, and his cherished wife Dorothy Weatherby Tapper.

Ken was born in Camden, New Jersey, on April 6, 1937. Upon graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, he was called to serve in the US Navy. He was proud of his military service, turned his training into a career, and valued patriotism throughout his life. Early on, ‘Kenny’ developed a love of baseball, playing in high school and adult leagues for many years. He was a loyal and lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, still sporting his favorite shirts and hats through the 2022 World Series. He and Dot spent countless hours watching the Phils, talking about the Phils, and often scheduling their day around game time. When Ken and Dot met and then married in 1976, they joined two families. Together and throughout their 46-year marriage, they put family first. They made it a top priority to be present for as many birthdays, graduations, recitals, games, showers, baptisms, weddings, holidays, and parties as a calendar could possibly hold. They loved to travel and visit, and Dad would drive just about anywhere. They put more miles on the road than anyone we know, making sure they were there for the important stuff, an integral part of any celebration, and everyone loved their company. They kept close friends, loved playing cards, reading books and they started every day with the newspaper – even when they traveled. They were always only a phone call away. When Dot passed on Dad’s 85th birthday, he lost his partner and the love of his life.

Dad was honest, trusted, reliable, kind, smart and generous. He was a hard worker, a dedicated husband and he loved to have fun, party, and dance. His pretty blue eyes twinkled all the way to his final moments. He was loved, he will be missed, and he leaves the legacy of having lived a good and full life.

Friends and family are invited to attend Ken’s viewing and funeral services on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM at LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory. A funeral service will begin at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. His final resting place will be alongside his soulmate, Dorothy W. Tapper, at Philadelphia Memorial Park on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10:30 am. US Navy will present Military Honors at that time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Navy Seal Foundation by clicking this link . The tragic loss of his son David in 2003, weighed heavy on his heart, but he remained steadfast in his love and pride for his son, the Navy, and this country.