Alan Martin Tapper

Alan Tapper (89) passed away in Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida on November 8th, 2025, after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Naomi Sue Tapper, by his second wife Pauline, and by his eldest sister Phyllis.
He is survived by his significant other, Valerie Krop, and by his three children, Josef Tapper (Jackie), Ari Tapper (Marian Diamond), Robyn Sandler (Eric), his grandchildren, Ilana, Keren, Zay and also his "adopted" family, Dan and Irene Simpkins and their daughter Nina. He will also be sorely missed by his dog, Marvin.
Born on July 13th, 1936 in Newark, NJ, Alan was the middle child of the late Samuel and Fae Ruth (Farerh) Tapper and had two sisters, Phyllis and Marilyn. He went to Columbia University to study geology, during which time he met and married Naomi Hochberg. After receiving his degree, he enlisted in the US army and was posted first to Alabama and then to Germany where Joe was born, before returning to the US where Ari and then Robyn were born. As Alan worked for the Department of Defense on high profile but classified projects, the family moved many times, from New Jersey to California, Pennsylvania and Florida, before settling in northern Virginia. He later moved to Florida where he lived for the last 14 years of his life.
While living in Virginia, Alan learned to chant Torah, both as a member of Congregation Olam Tikvah and then Congregation Sha'arei Shalom, and he was honored to do so on many occasions, including at his grandchildren's B'nei Mitzvah. He greatly enjoyed playing bridge throughout his life, becoming a Bronze Life Master. He was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed playing on teams and in leagues earlier in life. Alan was also fascinated by the genealogy of the family and made many friends and contacts in his research.
Alan was a devoted father who will be remembered for his laughter and his love for family, Torah, bridge, and bowling. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alan, please visit our floral store.