Obituary of Charles R. Tappen

Charles R. Tappen, Sr., 74, formerly of Denville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at their home in Toms River on Sunday, January 18, 2015. Born in Manhattan, New York, Charles grew up in Bloomfield, NJ. Charles went on to graduate from Bloomfield High School and then Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Deciding to raise a family, Charles moved to Denville in 1972 where he became and remained a Firefighter for over 30 years. After retiring in 1996 as the Denville Township Fire Official, Charles moved to Hawley, Pennsylvania. During his retirement, Charles was an active member of The Sons of Norway Lodge and volunteered a large portion of his time at the Dessin Animal Shelter in PA. He was an incredible man that dedicated his life to helping others and he will be greatly missed. Son of the late Harry G. and Caroline Tappen, he is survived by his devoted son Charles R. Tappen, Jr. and his wife Sharon and his beloved daughter Holly Tappen; his cherished grandchildren Charles and Gabriella; his loving previous wife Julie Tappen; and several cousins. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, January 21st from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday, January 22nd at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Montville Reformed Cemetery, Montville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Denville Fire Department, 2 Indian Road, Denville, NJ 07834 or Dessin Animal Shelter, 138 Miller Drive, Honesdale, PA 18431 or Alzheimers Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite #251, Denville, NJ 07834. Please light a candle in his memory at: www.normandean.com.