WESTBROOK – Scott Anthony Tapley, 82, passed away in his home on Sept. 6, 2025, after a period of declining health. Born in Portland, Maine on Oct. 23, 1942 to parents Frederick Tapley and Madeline Mercier, Scott lived in Westbrook his entire life.

He graduated from Westbrook High School in 1963 and soon after joined the Army National Guard. Later he worked at American Can Company in Portland. Some of his other jobs included Ziebart of Westbrook and the Falmouth School Department as a school bus driver/custodian at Lunt School .

Scott loved his job with the school department. He always wanted the kids to have fun on his bus and in the cafeteria. He loved to see them smile and he wanted them to simply enjoy being kids. Scott could be the biggest kid of all! Every year on Bus Driver Appreciation Day, he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of appreciation from students and parents, especially the Casco Bay Terrace crowd.

Throughout his life, Scott enjoyed spending time on Sebago Lake. He had fond memories of time spent at Wards Cove, the State park, and Frye Island. He looked forward to deer hunting on Peaked Mountain and hunters breakfast with his old friend David Rickett. When his own kids were young, he would take them for rides in his Jeep CJ with the top down. He loved a loud exhaust and a fast car and shared many stories about crazy times he had in high school with buddies Bobby Lane, Chuck Tucker and Don Leclerc. Scott was always up for an adventure with family and friends whether it be driving to Ken’s for fried clams, going 4-wheeling on the Narrow Gauge in Bridgton, simply enjoying a cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts or taking in the scenery from Eustis Ridge.

Everyone Scott met became an instant friend to him. He genuinely cared about others. He will be missed by many, including his most devoted friends – Luis Pintor, Terry Rickett, Dennis Rickett and Adam Rickett – and many caring neighbors who helped out by mowing his lawn, inviting him to Thanksgiving breakfast, or lending him a generator when the power went out.

Scott is survived by his daughter Carol Tapley (Randy Dobson) of Westbrook, son David Tapley (Heather) of Kennebunk; and granddaughters Emma and Addison Tapley.

He remained friends with his first wife and mother of his children, Barbara Kelly, as well as his second wife, Michelle Morgan.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Linda.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life gathering on Oct. 19, 2025, from 12 – 3 p.m. at the Portland Elks Lodge 1945 Congress Street Portland, Maine.