Obituary of Dennys A Tapia Sr.

Dennys Alberto Tapia, Sr., age 84, of Ridgefield Park, NJ, died peacefully on January 18, 2024 at Villa Marie Claire Hospice Facility in Saddle River, NJ. Dennys was born in Vinces, Ecuador in 1939 to Eva and Manuel Tapia. He immigrated to the United States with his wife and children in 1970 and worked for 25 years for the Transportation Department of the Hudson County Schools of Technology as a Dispatcher. Dennys served as a Committee Person for Jersey City, Ward F for 15 years and was an active participant in committees and coalitions supporting the Latino community.

 

Dennys, lovingly known as “Papi”, was a vibrant personality who left an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who knew him. His life was characterized by dedication and determination in providing opportunity and stability for his family. A connoisseur of classic cars, Dennys found great joy in restoring classic Camaros and meticulously caring for his prized possessions. Dennys was a self proclaimed domino champion. He reveled in competitive matches with family and friends but most especially enjoyed  teaching his grandchildren the many creative ways to secure a win. Dennys had a mischievous side as a prankster and delighted in bringing laughter to those around him. When not playing dominos or tinkering with his cars, Dennys would enjoy watching his favorite soccer team Barcelona Sporting Club and often sported their colors.

 

Above all, Dennys took great pride in his family. His pride knew no bounds when it came to celebrating the achievements of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He instilled hard work and perseverance in them and never let them forget that they were “the best”. He truly lived the American Dream. He worked hard, witnessed each of his children graduate from college and in later years, was able to enjoy the ability to travel the world.

 

Dennys is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosa Tapia and five children Carlos Tapia and wife Susan of Branchburg, NJ, Jorge Tapia and wife Sharon of Martinsville, NJ, Rosa Tapia-Nalesnik and husband Ted of Warrington, PA, Dennys Tapia, Jr. of Ridgefield Park, NJ and Cynthia Alvarez and husband Carlos of Ridgefield Park, NJ; thirteen grandchildren, Marjorie Tapia, Ryan Tapia, Anthony Tapia, Lauren McDuffie, Dennys Tapia III, Nicholas Tapia, Brittany Tapia, Alicia Tapia, Isabella Tapia, Joshua Nalesnik, Jayden Alvarez, Gabriella Alvarez, and Mateo Tapia; two great-grandchildren Ryan Tapia, Jr. and Luna Tapia.

 

Visitation is Tuesday January 23, 2024 from 4-8pm at Vorhees-Ingwersen Funeral Home, Ridgefield Park, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial is Wednesday, 10am at Saint Francis Assisi RC Church, Ridgefield Park, NJ with entombment immediately following at the Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.  In lieu of flowers please make donations in Denny's name to (Dementia Society of America) Dementiasociety.org