Edward Allen "Ted" Taggart, Jr.

Born on September 25, 1939 in Neptune, New Jersey, he grew up with a deep appreciation for family, friends and fun. Over the years, he built a life defined by his love of the game of golf, his love of a great meal and most importantly, being surrounded by his wife of over 65 years, his children, his grandchildren and his many close friends. He grew up in the Jersey Shore community of Wanamassa in Ocean Township, New Jersey and went to Asbury Park High School where he played on the Varsity Basketball team.  After high school, he attended Murray State University, in Murray, Kentucky, where he graduated, but not before meeting his future wife, Lillian Harrington of Louisville, Kentucky.  He later obtained a Masters Degree in Education from Monmouth College in Long Branch, New Jersey. 

He spent much of his life as a Health and Physical Education Teacher at Brick Township High School in New Jersey, where he was known for being the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach. In addition, Ted worked a couple nights a week at a Jersey Shore favorite, the Crabs Claw Inn, in Lavalette, New Jersey for many years.  But beyond his work, he was most proud of his grandchildren.  They were such a big part of his life.  He loved playing golf, challenging his brother, his son and many of his friends on a regular basis.  After retirement from teaching, he enjoyed travelling extensively with his wife alongside close friends to many amazing locations, including a once in a lifetime golf vacation in Scotland. Eventually, he and Lillian retired to Wilmington, North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian, his daughter Karen Luicci and husband, Michael of Brick, New Jersey, his son Scott Taggart and wife, Gina of Wilmington, North Carolina, his grandchildren and step grandchildren, Michael Dunham and wife, Emily of Hoboken, New Jersey, Travis Dunham of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Emily Taggart and Allen Taggart, of Boyds, Maryland, Nicole Luicci, Jazmin Luicci-Brown and Alejandro Luicci-Brown of Stuart, Florida, Danielle Luicci of Manasquan, New Jersey, Jordan Harris of Carlsbad, California, Sgt. Nicolas Harris and wife, Shae of Camp Pendleton, California and Lisa Harris of Wilmington, North Carolina.  He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Kubu of Manasquan, New Jersey and his brother, Richard Taggart and wife, Helen of Wall, New Jersey who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. There are also many nieces and nephews who will miss him as well.

Those who loved him will remember his welcoming smile, his disarming sense of humor, his love of golf and to his detriment, his love of the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians (NKA the Guardians). His presence made the world feel a little better, and his absence will be felt deeply.  

A service to honor his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour. 

Flowers are welcome, or contributions in Ted's memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or to the Tunnels for Towers Foundation.

Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.