Matthew “Matt” James Tappero, age 67, of Kitty Hawk, NC died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 27, 2022. He was born in Roanoke, VA, and lived in Bedford, VA through high school. Matt was preceded in death by his father, Max Tappero, stepmother Jane Tappero and stepfather Willis Levan. Matt was a graduate of Bedford High School and Elon University. Upon graduating from college, Matt moved to the Outer Banks for the summer and ended up staying a lifetime. He began working in construction, found his calling, and went on to obtain his North Carolina general contractor’s license. He created his own company, Coastal Construction of North Carolina, Inc, and with his wife, Denice by his side worked to build countless commercial and residential properties up and down the Outer Banks. Matt was a well-regarded, trusted, and highly skilled general contractor for over 30 years. Matt had an infinite zest for life and adventure. He was passionate about cooking, any kind of boating, fishing, scuba diving, paddle boarding (he loved to catch a good wave), sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, snow skiing, flying, hiking and golfing. Above everything else, his family was most important to him.
He leaves behind his beloved wife and partner in every avenue of life, Denice Tappero; daughter, Morgan Tappero; and mother, Lucille Levan. Also surviving and very special to Matt are his in-laws, Marty and Tom Haske; brother-in-law, Steve Hauser and wife Donna; stepbrother, Bryant Hare; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Matt was kind and caring and very dear to many people in many walks of life. He had an ever-present positive attitude about everything, always had a smile on his face, and made everyone he met feel special and important. He will be greatly missed by his family, his co-workers and so, so many friends.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at Jennette’s Pier from 2:30-5:30 pm with a brief program to start at 3:00 pm. All are welcome to share memories with the family anytime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy and comfort may be shared via the online register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
