Obituary of Robert Tapak

TAPAK, Robert “Bob” After a hard fought battle, Bob answered his final alarm two weeks before his 78th birthday on February 21, 2020 peacefully with his wife of 57 years and his dog by his side. Loving husband of Mary Ellen (nee St. Louis) of 57 years. Beloved father of Jim, Ron, Michael, Nicole (Rob Imperioli) and Ken (Stephanie). Loving papa to 9 grandchildren. Brother of Gail, Dan (Linda), Barry (Marg), Lori (Rick) and Steve. Bob started his career with the Windsor Fire Department in May of 1965 and retiring after 30 years and 5 months in 1995 as the Assistant Chief. Six months after his retirement he was brought back into service as the Chief of Maidstone, later Lakeshore township for 5 more years. After a short 2 year retirement Bob once again answered the bell for 5 years and 5 months as the Fire Chief of his hometown of Tecumseh. His illustrious career can be defined with his involvement with serving in the Detroit Riots of 1967 where he earned the award of merit and his handling of the catastrophic 401 incident of September 1999. Bob was giving of his time to the community serving as an executive member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 143, president of Shorline minor hockey, and Tecumseh baseball. Visiting will be held at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Rd. E. 519-253-7234 on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Firefighter walk thru at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 10:15am procession to St. Anne Church (12233 Tecumseh Rd. E.) for mass at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. In kindness, donations may be made to the Windsor Fire Benefit Fund or Hospice of Windsor. Online condolences may be left at www.windsorchapel.com