Christopher "Tappy" Tappero

Christopher Joseph “Tappy” Tappero, Allouez, passed away Thursday, June 17th, at home with his wife by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. The son of the late Violet and Earl Tappero was born on April 17th, 1951 in St. Augustine, FL. Chris graduated from Bayview High School in Milwaukee, WI in 1969 and entered the Unites States Coast Guard. One of his favorite memories was having the honor of driving Chief Justice Warren Berger during President Richard Nixon’s second inaugural parade. Following his honorable discharge in 1976, Chris held a variety of jobs before finding his place with Wisconsin Job Service. He proudly devoted thirteen years to the agency, the best of which were spent as a Disabled Veterans Outreach Specialist assisting veterans like himself find their place in civilian life after having served their country. During his tenure with the state he accumulated many awards and commendations. In 2000, Chris left the WI Job Service to pursue his passion for remodeling, free-lancing and subcontracting for property managers, bartending and being a vault manager for Waltco, Inc. Chris was welcomed into the Lumaye family when he married Gail in 2001. He proposed to her during karaoke singing their song, “What a Wonderful World.” Together they shared a mutual love of raising Shih Tzus, gardening, shooting pool, spending time with family, and many other activities. Christopher was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), an avid fisherman and sailor, silversmith, wooden toy maker, and a strong supporter of the United States Coast Guard. At one time, he was also a member of MENSA. Chris was a great problem solver, and could answer any question brought to him. Cancer did not stop Chris from continuing the renovation work on the home he and Gail shared. He was an avid Italian cook, collector of lighters and Coast Guard memorabilia. Until the moment of his passing, Chris insisted he was “going to beat this thing.” His strength and dignity throughout his illness were an inspiration to his family. His love and compassion for his wife, children, and grandchildren were as remarkable at the end as it had always been. Chris is survived by his wife, Gail; his three children: Christopher II of Manitowoc, Nicole (Jason) Duffeck of Howard, Antonio of De Pere; his grandchildren: Trinity and Brandon Duffeck; two sisters: Lynne (Jeff) Wroble of Weeki Wachee, Florida, Naomi of Milwaukee, WI; Brother: Joel of Madison; Brothers-in-law: Gary Lumaye of Maine and Ronald (Diana) Lumaye of Green Bay. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of friends whose hearts, minds and lives are better for having known him. He was preceded in death by: his parents, grandmother: Beatrice (Bella) Tappero and sister-in-law: Judy Lumaye. Family and friends may call Wednesday, June 23rd, from 5 to 8pm at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave, De Pere, with a DAV color guard. Parish Prayer Service will be conducted at 7pm with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating. Visitation will continue on Thursday, June 24th from 9 to 10am at the funeral home. No formal service will be held on Thursday. Graveside service will be held at the Central Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery in King at 1pm Thursday with full military honors. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com The family wishes to thank the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Milwaukee and all the staff at Heartland Hospice for their compassion, understanding and unwavering dedication. A special thank you to Heidi and Shawn of Heartland Hospice for their daily help and support.