Robert L. Tapscott ’39

Tap died Nov. 29, 2013, at his home in Salisbury, Conn., where he had lived since retirement from his lifelong work with General Electric in 1982. He was 97.

At Princeton, Tap prepared for his future by being the “chief engineer” of a Lionel train network that occupied the entire third floor of 1903 Hall. He presented his engineering project, “the unipolar generator,” at a seminar in January 1939. He rowed stroke on the eight-man crew.

During World War II, Tap enlisted in the Navy and served as a lieutenant on the destroyer escort USS Swearer in the Pacific. For GE, Tap worked in New Haven and New York. (He seldom missed a Yale game!)

Tap was a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury. He was often heard humming a ditty — even when not in choir practice. His all-time favorite place was the family summer home in the Adirondacks. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, skiing, ice boating, woodworking, and model trains.

His mottos included: “Live simply and close to nature” and “Accept and adapt.” He marched in his last P-rade four years ago.

Tap is survived by Leslie, his wife of 60 years; two sons; and four grandchildren. With them, we salute this gallant fellow.