MILLINOCKET – Wallace A. “Wally” Tapley Sr., 77, died peacefully at his home, June 28, 2004, after a long illness. He was born Sept. 12, 1926, in Millinocket, the son of Edward and Cecilia (LePage) Tapley. Wally was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran and a member of the Post No. 80 American Legion and Post No. 4154 VFW. He was also a communicant of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church and a 3rd Degree member of St. Martin of Tours Knights of Columbus. He worked for 36 years for Great Northern Paper Company, retiring in 1987. Wally was an excellent cook and was known for the meals he prepared for many of the church functions, especially the Lenten Breakfasts. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Irene M. (Santerre) Tapley of Millinocket; one son, Wallace “Wally” Jr. and wife, Dianne Tapley, of Millinocket; six daughters, Louise and husband, Ronald Tinkham Sr., of Millinocket, Julie and husband, Robert MacKenzie, of Florida, Rhonda and husband, Galen Cyr, of Millinocket, Cheryl and husband, Michael Jewers, of Millinocket, Maryann and husband, Daniel Rideout, of Medway, and Shelley Tapley and fianc?, Jeff Carver, of Bangor; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; seven brothers, Lester Tapley of Woodville, Ralph Tapley of East Millinocket, Edward “Junior” Tapley of Millinocket, James Mason of Millinocket, Stanley Mason of Millinocket, Paul Mason of North Carolina; three sisters, Carolee Brackett of Mattawamkeag, Shirley Lyle of North Carolina, Dolly Richards of Mattawamkeag; one aunt, Marguerite Hutchinson of Millinocket; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his stepmother, Verbena Tapley; one sister, Olivine Malone; and one brother, Richard Tapley. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at R. L. Bouchard Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket. The Knights of Columbus will conduct a prayer service 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Millinocket Cemetery. If friends wish, donations may be made in his memory to the Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. For online register book, please visit www.bouchardfh.com. <
WALLACE A. TAPLEY SR.
