Alfonso "Coach" Tapia

Alfonso "Coach" Tapia, age 92, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico on November 8, 1932 to Epifanio and Neomi Tapia. He grew up as the middle child two years younger than his brother, Luciano and two years older than his sister, Fabiola.

From an early age, Al displayed a love for learning, starting his education at South Public School before moving on to I.G. where he learned the saxophone. This love for music continued to shape his life, earning him a scholarship to Highlands University.

In 1955, Al made a significant move to Henderson, Nevada, where he chose to be closer to his parents who had settled here a few years earlier. He found a fulfilling career in construction, ultimately retiring after twenty-two years of dedicated service with the Southern Nevada Housing Authority. While Al did not have children of his own, his life was richly filled with love and connection through his nieces and nephews.They brought joy and companionship to his days.

Al's life was also marked by a long and loving marriage to Olivia, with whom he shared fifteen years of happiness before her passing in 1992. Together, they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—spending time with friends, playing cards, and visiting the casinos in Henderson. Al was known to many as "Coach," a nickname he earned through his years of coaching little league, where his influence helped shape the lives of many young athletes.

After retiring, Al found joy in spending time at the Henderson Senior Center, where he participated in weekly bingo, activities, and socialized with friends. Al’s love for football was unmatched; he spent his weekends watching the games. His loyalty to the Oakland Raiders never wavered, even through tough seasons, and when the team made its way to Las Vegas, Al was overjoyed to see them so close to home. And, of course, Al was a lover of classic films. If you ever visited his home, you were sure to be treated to a Turner Classic Movie.

In his final months, Al found comfort in the care of his nieces, who surrounded him with love and support. At the end, his sister, Fabiola was at his side along with his nieces and nephews.

Al will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, his loyalty to his loved ones, and his passion for the things that made him happy. His memory will live on in the stories we share. “Coach” you will be dearly missed.

A visitation for will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A rosary will follow at 6:00 PM, both at Palm Henderson Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. A funeral mass will be on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 204 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89015. Al will be laid to rest with military honors at Palm Henderson Cemetery, 800 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89015.