Lee, Maine - Edward Tappe, 79, of Lee, Maine, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on August 18, 1945, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Ed was the only child of Edward and Beatrice (Hanson) Tappe.

He grew up in South Britain, Connecticut, and spent summers in Lee, Maine, where his lifelong love for the outdoors began. As a young man, he won numerous awards for barrel riding and cared for many animals through his parents' business, the Animal Inn. In high school, Ed played soccer and developed a passion for fast cars and open roads. He began studying agriculture at the University of Georgia, before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. Though his service was cut short due to an injury during training at Parris Island, he returned home with resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. Cutting wood for the rest of his life would be his favorite choice of work.

Soon after, he met the love of his life, Doris, at a dance. Their first date didn't go as planned - Doris stood him up - but fate brought them together again. Ed's persistence prevailed, and they married on September 2, 1967, beginning a 58-year journey of love and partnership.

A true outdoorsman, Ed loved hunting, fishing, and foraging for mushrooms and berries. He especially enjoyed family camping trips to Knowlton's Campground in Perry for clamming and fishing in Eastport.

He and Doris shared a love of travel, journeying from the glaciers of the Arctic Circle to the beaches of the Virgin Islands. Their adventures took them to Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and numerous national parks including the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon. They also explored much of the East Coast, enjoying destinations like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, the Outer Banks, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and winters in the Florida Keys.

Ed will be remembered for his warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering faith in God. He is survived by his loving daughters, Leah (Tappe) Olson and Mariah (Tappe) Pronovost; and his cherished grandchildren, Zoe, Cody, and Alexa Bea; and his loving cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; and his beloved wife, Doris.

A celebration of Edward's life will be held on August 2 at 1 p.m. at Springfield Community Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Springfield Community Chapel. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care during Edward's final days.