John M. Taper

Loving Husband, Father & Grandpap

John M. Taper, 77 of Washington formerly of Canonsburg died Wednesday-May 10, 2017 at 9:10 p.m. at the Washington County Health Center after a three month illness with his wife by his side.  He was born November 20, 1939 in the East End of Canonsburg the son of the late Ignatious and Anna Vinisky Taper.  Mr. Taper was a graduate of Canonsburg High School.  He was employed for over 20 years as a machinist for Universal Cyclops until his retirement.  Mr. Taper served in the United States Navy for four years as a Gunners mate 3rd Class. He served on the Cruiser USS Toledo based out of Long Beach, CA completing a Western Pacific cruise on board the ship.  He later was stationed in Florida near Winter Haven in the Mothball Fleet that watched over decommissioned ships in storage.  He went with his son Larry for a Tiger cruise from Hawaii to San Diego for 7 days in 1988 on his son’s ship.

Mr. Taper was a member of the Canonsburg Elks, a past member of the Canonsburg VFW Post # 191, Houston American Legion, PORCC Club-Preservation of Oldies Music (50’s & 60’s music) and was a great dancer.  He and his wife Janice were quite a couple on the dance floor. He also enjoyed woodworking, working outside at his home and was a longtime league bowler for many years until a shoulder injury forced him to stop.

On November 29, 1996 he married Janice M. DeStefano Tomey Taper who survives.  Also surviving is a son; Larry (Carrie) Taper, a daughter; Lorrie Taper (Steve) Sherman, 2 stepsons; Jason A. Tomey & Aaron A. (Heather) Tomey, 3 brothers; James (Rose) Taper, Joe (Julie) Taper & Anthony Taper, 4 sisters; Thresa Horvath, Margaret Urbas, Nancy (Carl) Andree & Janet (Richard) Andree, 6 grandchildren; Ryan & Travis Sherman, Christopher John & Caraline Ann Taper, Brynn Marie Tomey & London Leigh Tomey.  Several nieces & nephews also survive. 

Mr. Taper was preceded in death by his first wife; Dorothy Marie Mahramus Taper whom  he married September 16, 1961.  Dorothy died February 13, 1993. He also was preceded in death by a sister; Irene Taper along with 2 brothers; Edward Taper & Theodore Taper.

Friends will be received on Tuesday-May 16, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc. Wilson at E. Katherine Avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor, director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director.  A prayer service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday-May 17, 2017 in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church.  Burial will follow in Woodruff Memorial Park.  Full military rites will be accorded by the VFW Post # 191 Honor Guard of Canonsburg & the United States Navy.  Memorial contributions can be made to the John F. Kennedy Catholic School, 111 W. Spruce St. Washington Pa. 15301.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com