Robert Livingston Tapscott, 97, beloved husband of Leslie-Hart Fenn, died peacefully November 29, 2013 at home in Salisbury.
Bob was born on May 30, 1916 in Schenectady, New York, son of Dorothea van Voast and Ralph Henry Tapscott. He grew up in Garden City, New York, graduated from Salisbury School in 1935 and from Princeton University with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1939. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Gunnery Officer Lieutenant on the Destroyer Escort USS Swearer in the Pacific. Afterwards, he spent more than 40 years working for General Electric as an Engineer.
He married Leslie-Hart Fenn, the love of his life, in 1953 and they raised their two sons in North Haven, Connecticut before retiring to Salisbury in 1982.
An avid outdoorsman and fly fisherman, “Tap,” as he was affectionately known to many, pursued many hobbies including downhill skiing, ice boating, model trains, and woodworking. A gallant fellow, he was a devoted steward of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury. Tap served as Treasurer and Senior Warden and during this past year, was Senior Warden Emeritus. Often heard whistling and humming a ditty, he was an exuberant member of the St. John’s Choir for many years. For those who knew him, Tap was both a thoughtful listener and gregarious friend.
One of Tap’s favorite places to be was at his camp in the Adirondacks where he spent a lifetime of summers with family and friends including his four grandchildren. He remained intellectually curious about the world around him throughout his life.
In addition to his wife of 60 years, Leslie- Hart, he is survived by his two sons, James van Voast and Robert Jr. and their wives, Gretchen and Heidi; and his beloved grandchildren, Emma, Kate, Phillip, and Harrison. He was predeceased by his brother Adrian van Voast. He will be forever missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends will gather at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury on Friday, December 20th at 11:00 am to celebrate his remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
