Abe Tapia Jr.

1957-2017

Abran Tapia Jr., also known as Abe, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and dear friend to many, passed away on June 3, 2017 in Upland, California, where he was a resident for over 10 years. Abe was born in Oakland, California in 1957 to Abe Tapia Sr. and Evelyn (Perea) Tapia (1935-2008). He moved to Southern California in 1968 and attended Mark Keppel High School in Monterey Park. It is during this time he met his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Haro (Tapia) and together they had 3 children, Christy (Tapia) Mindell, Abran (Abe) Tapia III, and Jessica Tapia. Abe is survived by three grandchildren, Alyssa Tapia (13 years old), Abran Tapia, IV (7 years old) and Jaxson Mindell (1 year old). Abe is survived by 5 younger siblings, David Tapia, Mary Tapia-Gordon, Lori Tapia-Marangakis, Mariana Tapia-Alvarez, and Magdalena Tapia-Moore and their children for a total of 7 nephews and nieces.

Although he had a series of chronic health issues, he was a fun-loving, charismatic, exceptionally smart with a thirst for knowledge, and a laid-back kind of guy. He once said in a Facebook post, “It’s easy to give up…NEVER GIVE UP” and he lived by that mantra until his last day. He was always one who liked to beat the odds and was a fierce advocate for the underdog. He liked politics, his daily calls with his family where they can rant and rave about any topic under the sun, and scouring the internet for news. If you knew Abe, you’d know that besides a variety of career paths and adventures he has taken, he was a man who loved a great meal (especially cheeseburgers which he wasn’t allowed to eat for health reasons). He also loved his dog, Tank-Tank (who he took over ownership from his daughter, Jessica, renamed him “PUP” and loved more than life itself). His greatest joy was the birth of his two grandchildren who he got to spend a lot of time with. He would have wanted to be remembered as someone who staunchly loved his family and friends and looks forward to reuniting again on the other side - catching up over iced tea at the nearest burger joint.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Draper Mortuary, 811 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario, CA 91762. Burial services will follow at 2:30 PM at Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 W. “G” Street, Ontario, CA 91762 (across the street). Reception services to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that in his honor, take your family out for a double-double cheeseburger and fries at the local In-and-Out! Share your photos, videos, condolences and remembrances to the family by signing the guest book.