William D. Tappan

Eliot, ME - William D. Tappan, 83, of Eliot, Maine, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, leaving behind a life defined by service, entrepreneurship, faith, and deep devotion to family. Born on January 31, 1942, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, William was the son of the late Edwin Tappan and Eunice (DeWolfe) Copp. He was raised in North Hampton, NH, where he graduated from Winnacunnet High School. Shortly after graduation, William answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1959 to 1963, he proudly served aboard the USS Entemedor (SS-340), an experience that shaped his lifelong sense of discipline, perseverance, and patriotism. William’s professional life reflected both his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He began his career in retail sales with Eagle Photo, JJ Newbury, and Value House. In 1979, he founded Tappan Enterprise, an industrial cleaning service that he owned and operated for two decades. Through this venture, he not only built a successful business but also provided steady employment for dozens of workers. Later, William continued his commitment to helping others as a Life & Health Insurance Broker with Mutual of Omaha, before retiring. Beyond his work, William found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. An avid sailor, he cherished time spent aboard his beloved sailboat, the Dawn Treader, sailing out of Rye Harbor, NH. He was a longtime and devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Hampton Falls, where his faith was a guiding force throughout his life. William also enjoyed photography, cooking, and hiking—pursuits that reflected his curiosity, creativity, and love of the outdoors. At the heart of William’s life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Nancy (Mundy) Tappan of Eliot, ME; his children, William Tappan Jr. and his wife Christine of Northwood, NH; Robert Tappan and his wife Mila of Bangor, ME; Elizabeth DePriest and her husband Jeff of Jacksonville, FL; Doug Tappan and his wife Meghan of Albany, NY; and Mark Tappan and his wife Rachel of Greenland, NH. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Colvin, and his cherished grandchildren: Joshua, Jordan, Alex, Noah, Grayson, Kylie, Colin, Luci, Gabriel, Oliver, Samson, and Elias. William was predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Phyllis Kirby and Richard Tappan; and his first wife, Judith Tappan. A memorial service celebrating William’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Hampton Falls, 3 Lincoln Avenue, Hampton Falls, NH 03844. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hampton Falls. William D. Tappan will be remembered for his steady leadership, Love of God, and unwavering love for his family—qualities that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

William D. Tappan

January 31, 1942 - December 17, 2025