Philip Henry Tapley of 479 Main Street, Eliot, Maine passed away peacefully at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Portsmouth, NH, on July 24, 2021, with his wife and children by his side. Philip was born on February 2, 1935 in the family home in North Brooklyn, Maine to Harriet Tapley (née Pevear) and Henry Tapley as the last of seven siblings. He regularly regaled his family and friends with stories of his formative years in North Brooklyn, reminiscent of a Huckleberry Finn existence. At a young age his family relocated to Kittery, Maine, where he attended Kittery public schools.

While not scholastically engaged as a child, more likely to be found digging worms and fishing than reading a book, it was in school that Phil discovered his life-long love of singing and performing. With his warm tone and high tenor voice he was the lead in every play, a soloist for major events, and sang for years with his children in the church choir. Upon graduating from Robert W. Traip Academy in June of 1953, his yearbook quoted "...you will find your fame behind a mic"; and so it was. Uncle Sam tapped him for service, and Phil joined the US Air Force on December 1, 1953 (the day after hunting season ended, which was his only condition). On a brief return to Kittery for supplemental math courses, he became smitten with and soon after married his Algebra tutor and wife of now 63 years, Janice Tapley (née Williams). Philip proudly served his country for 20 years as a Radio Ops Supervisor (Airborne Cmd Post Communications), his career behind a mic, and retired with the rank of Tech Sergeant.

Returning to New Castle, NH, Philip worked tirelessly to provide for his wife and four children. In pursuit of this, he returned to school earning a Bachelor of Science from New England College and later in life, at age 64, a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. Philip went on to distinguish himself in his career as a Social Worker with NHDCYS, developing protocols still used today that protect children during the in-take and interview process, and finally retiring as a Juvenile Parole / Compliance Supervisor. Throughout the years, Philip counselled and mentored anyone in need; he was a gifted listener, and felt most of use when in service to others. His was a life that touched many others for the better.

In his free time, Philip was what one would consider a "jack-of-all-trades". His travels in the military enhanced his love of food (which decidedly did not include anything Italian!) and he loved to cook for others, proudly preparing Thai Salad for special occasions and a phenomenal New England Fish Chowder, always with crispy salt pork on top. He had a penchant for finding ingredients in nature, scouring his "kingdom" each spring for dandelion greens, and harvesting Concord grapes to make jelly in the fall. He was notorious for spontaneous, late-night culinary endeavors; much to the delight of the night owls or early risers in the house. Philip could not abide driving by a yard sale without a quick look, and had a genuine eye for antiques of value; he also generously bestowed on his family and friends many a dubious yard sale "find" or a treasure from a freebie barn, a tradition that will be lovingly carried on. Despite many attempts, it was universally acknowledged that he was the worst carpenter, though never for a lack of effort. This is most apparent at the family camp, where the doors are a peculiar 2 inches too high, and where Janice's beautiful teak coffee table bears a 10 inch cut from his circular saw.

He was most content at Camp in Surry, Maine surrounded by an abundance of family and close friends. It was always an evening of food, board games, epic Spades tournaments, Mexican Train Dominoes, and many laughs. He taught generations how to dig for clams and spend an evening picking crabs, with the summers spent in his boat on Union River Bay being especially memorable. Not really a nautical man though, it is unclear just how many times he fell asleep and grounded his boat. Fishing, smelting, clamming and hunting, camp was always where his heart was.

Philip was interesting, affable, social, a quick wit, a gifted storyteller, and above all else, a family man with an enormous capacity for love. He was also a man of God and a profoundly deep thinker who enjoyed rigorous philosophical, political, and religious discussions. He never talked down to people, and taught his children that everyone has something to offer.

Philip leaves behind his devoted wife of 63 years, Janice E. Tapley; his four children, daughter Stephanie Miller and her husband Michael Miller of Eliot, ME; daughter Katherine Cummings of Eliot, ME; daughter Alison Kras of Exeter, NH, and son Sheldon Tapley of Raymond, NH; five wonderful grandchildren, all of whom were his favorite, April, Nicholas, Caroline, Daniel and Shannon; two great grandchildren Kiley and Katie; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Philip is survived also by his sister Rebecca Bethune (aged 97), her husband John Bethune and family of Lubbock, TX. He was predeceased by son Bruce W. Tapley.

Services will be held at JS Pelkey Funeral Services, 125 Old Post Rd, Kittery, ME on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 . Visiting hours from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. , services from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. , followed by burial with Military Funeral Honors at the Brooks Memorial Cemetery in Eliot, Maine. The family will then return to Pelkey for a time of Fellowship and Remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The Salvation Army Veteran's Services, as the members of the Tapley family are lifelong supporters of The Salvation Army's good works. https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/serve-veterans/

--Covid protocols will be observed during the funeral to protect the elderly and at-risk members of Philip's family. Please be prepared to wear a mask indoors and observe social distancing.