John Martin Tapio
March 16, 1953 - January 27, 2023

John Tapio 69, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away in the early morning hours on January 28th, 2023, at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha surrounded by his family. He was born in Jacksonville, NC, to Louis and Jean (Costello) Tapio on March 16, 1953. He grew up at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina with his family while his family while his father was serving in the United States Marine Corps. Moving back to Omaha in the mid 60's, he continued growing up n South Omaha and attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school. John went to High Scholl at Boys Town(class of 1972), where he developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning. His life at Boys Town shaped him into young man of values, which he recalled fondly. He is a Lifetime Member of Boys Towns National Alumni Association.

He enlisted in the United States Navy upon graduation from Boys Town High School. John was following the footsteps of his two older brothers, who were also serving in the United States Navy. After completing basic training in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Arnold J Isbell DD-869 in Long Beach, California. His final duty station was aboard the USS Bainbridge DLGN-25, as a Boatswain's Mate Petty Officer, responsible for maintaining the components of the ships hull. Like all his father's sons, his nickname was "Tap."
John was immensely proud of his service in the Navy and was grateful for the opportunity to travel the Pacific during the last months of the Vietnam War. He returned to Omaha after his military service and worked at Cudahy Packing Plant in South Omaha and later the Bar-S-Food Company for 30+ years. He loved working with a diverse group of people which often provided witty and hilarious observations of life at the packing plant.
He was a devoted father and grandfather who took pride in his son and daughter. He looked forward to stories about his grandson and what he was up to. He had an amazing memory and told entertaining stories, sometimes with a hint of exaggeration.

Even in his last few days, he told stories from throughout his life, and he had a constant need for fried chicken. If you could fry a chicken, he would be there. He loved it!
John always had a sparkle in his bright blue eyes that you would always remember!

He was preceded in death by his son Adam and parents Louis and Jean Tapio of Omaha, Nebraska.
He is survived by his wife, Barbra; Daughter, Stefanie, and grandson Rocket by siblings, Richard (Carol) Tapio, Jim (Dodi) Tapio, Alice (Terry) Diaz, Kathleen Tapio, Robert (Carmen) Tapio, Michael Tapio, Mark Tapio. He also has many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

His internment will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery located 14250 Schram Road, Omaha, Nebraska on Friday March 17th, 2023 at 11am, with full military honors.
Memorial donations can be made to the Boys Town National Alumni Association, in his name.