Herman “Tag” Taggart
Herman “Tag” Taggart, age 92, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along with his late brothers James “Babe”, and Daniel to their parents James and Carrie (nee Skea). Herm attended Mastbaum High School, where he met the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Good). He always possessed a passion for sports, playing both basketball and baseball, which carried over upon enlisting in the United States Navy following graduation. He played on Navy’s softball team that went on to win the championship in 1946 & 1947 and was a member of the military’s all-star team.
Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy, he joined the Plumber’s Union, Local 690 and was a 68-year member, retiring in 1990. Herm’s work ethic was unwavering – he earned a reputation amongst workers, peers and supervisors as a man who exemplified the highest level of commitment, integrity and respect. His character was not defined by what he did in front of a crowd, but rather what he did when no one else was around.
Sports were ever present throughout his life. He continued to play amateur fast-pitch softball while working full-time and starting a family. Sporting the #20 (his beautiful bride’s birthday), he played in the Guide League for several teams in the greater Philadelphia area. Most notably, he joined Flatiron in 1956 and continued with them for ten years – eight years as a player and two years as Manager. Flatiron won four straight ASA Regionals from 1960 through 1964. At the 1961 regionals, held in Hampton, VA, Herm was selected the most outstanding hitter going 9 for 14 (.643). In 1962, he was selected for the 2nd team All-American team at the ASA Nationals in Stratford, CT…an honor he cherished forever! In 1980 he was elected to the Philadelphia Softball Hall of Fame.
While softball was an integral part of his younger years, any and all sports provided him great pleasure in his leisure time…Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers…the consummate loyal Philadelphia fan!
As a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, his love and devotion was constant, unconditional and endless. Marrying his high-school sweetheart, Betty in 1949, his legacy lives on through his four children: Scott H. Taggart (Theresa), Lynn Wright, Kirk A. Taggart (Theresa), Lisa A. Scanlon (“my man, Jim”), seven grandchildren: Kirk Jr., Nicole, Kristina, Bradford, Kelsey, Dalton, Mackenzie, and six great grandchildren, Leah, Cooper, Caleb, Christopher, Cole and Crew. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and was always the life of the party…and the last one to leave! In later years, he found pleasure and relaxation in golf, attending Phillies games, reading and jigsaw puzzles.
His life can best be summed up as “a walk-off, grand slam home run”. From above, he’s sending a message to us all:
If there ever comes a day that we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever!
Due to the health crisis of COVID-19, graveside services for Mr. Taggart will be available for family and friends to view through our website on Wednesday at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Herman’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or through their website at www.heart.org.
“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”