Charles S. "Chip" Tappan

Charles S. “Chip” Tappan, 84, passed away peacefully at Emerald Trace on November 2, 2024. He leaves behind his loving wife, Joyce, granddaughter Hanna Mueller, and family from Massachusetts and Canada. Chip is preceded in death by his son, Preston (1980); daughter, Viva (2023); and two grandsons, Hunter and Dillon Mueller (2001).

Chip graduated from the University of Michigan School of Business and received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He was also a member of the University of Michigan Marching Band and played the Alto Saxophone. Over the years Chip held executive positions at Litton Industries, Carlisle Construction and West Shell Commercial (now known as Colliers) leaving to devote full time to his own company, Tappan Properties, with the help of his wife, Joyce, and later bringing on partners, Viva Tappan and Randy Merten. Under their leadership, Tappan Properties grew into a very successful commercial real estate company. In addition to being an active entrepreneur, Chip demonstrated a commitment to the communities in which he worked and lived, serving as President of the Lake Waynoka Property Owners Association, President of the Lyndale Court Homeowners Association, President of the Tides of Longboat Key, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Board, the St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Foundation Board, Chairmen of the Forward Quest Board (Skyloop), and the Sanitation District No. 1 Board.

Chip and his wife, Joyce, married 54 years, incorporated a wide array of friends into their lives and seized every opportunity to engage their interest, including ski trips all over the world, horse racing (mostly Joyce’s influence), and exploring unique and exotic places and experiences (exploring the Amazon, following the Iditarod, safari in Africa), and sailing themselves in the Caribbean and Greek Islands. Chip knew what was important in life, relationships and experiences. He never neglected to reach out a helping hand to anyone in need. Chip will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9:30 AM to the hour of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM all at St. Barbara Church, 4042 Turkeyfoot Rd, Erlanger, KY 41018. 

Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. 

Donations may be made in Chip’s memory to support Beechwood scholarships via the Chip and Joyce Tappan Scholarship fund at Horizon Community Funds. www.horizonfunds.org/donate or by check to Horizon Community Funds, 50 E. River Center Blvd., Suite 431, Covington, KY 41011.