Obituary of Brent L. Tappen

Brent L. (Leonard) Tappen, 90, of Madison passed away on December 15, 2019 at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ.

Born and raised in East Orange, NJ, Brent resided in Madison, NJ for the past 62 years. He graduated from Clifford Scott High School in East Orange, NJ in 1948. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1950-1958.

Brent worked as a pharmaceutical factory employee for Parke-Davis (now Pfizer) for 31 years, until he retired in 1990.

Brent is survived by his devoted children, Jean A. Force (William) of Cedar Knolls, NJ, Richard B. Tappen (David Barkin) of Madison, NJ, Kathleen M. Matyus (Dennis) of Roswell, GA, William R. Tappen of Nesquehoning, PA, and Edward M. Tappen (Elizabeth) of Wharton, NJ. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer S. Hart (Thomas), Caitlin E. Force, Aileen R. Force (Joseph Moldow), Colin Matyus, and Bryna Morton (Eric); as well as his adored great-grandchildren, Brayden Hart, and Rylan Hart; and many nieces and nephews. Brent was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret A. Tappen (Davidson) in October 2000, and his brother, Eugene R. Tappen, III of Pine Brook NJ in Nov. 2018.

Brent was an avid Mets and Jets fan.  He was an accomplished bowler and at one time he was in three leagues at the same time. He loved music and enjoyed singing and became a well-known figure at many karaoke bars!

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 4-8pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison, NJ. A Funeral Service for Brent will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at the Chapel at the Villa in Florham Park, 190 Park Ave., Florham Park, NJ. Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Montclair, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Brent may be made to: Madison Senior Center, 28 Walnut Street, Madison Civic Center, Madison, NJ 07940.