Hatboro's Bobby Taggart, 17, Passes Away

Image and obituary as posted on Wetzel and Son Funeral Homes.

Robert J. “Bobby” Taggart of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania died Thursday, November 5, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 17 years old. Bobby was born February 4, 1998 in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, son of John R. Taggart and Nancy A. Taggart (nee - Gannon). He is the brother of John Robert Taggart; grandson of Nancy and Ed Hitchner; nephew of Patricia Williamson, her husband George, and their family, Bob Taggart, his wife Darlene, and their family, and Sharon Steck, her husband Robert, and their family.

Despite being born in Abington, Bobby was a Hatboro kid to his core. He attended St. David school until sixth grade and Upper Moreland Middle School for seventh grade before moving to Germantown Academy where he was a member of the class of 2016.

After moving into Germantown Academy’s high school, Bobby found his favorite class, digital media. This class helped Bobby realize a more creative side of himself. This creative side, sparked an interest in photography. Mentored by his Uncle Bob, Bobby loved to take photos with his friends. From artful pictures of the landscapes of Pennypack Park, to tasteful selfies with his friends, Bobby was truly able to develop his passion for photography.

Bobby was an active baseball player in the Hatboro Little League and basketball player in Upper Moreland Hoops. He passionately continued with both sports when he transferred to Germantown Academy. Bobby enjoyed collecting sneakers and was known for having a collection of wildly styled socks. He loved playing video games on his Xbox 360 and his PS4. Some of Bobby’s favorite games were MLB Baseball, Madden Football, Modern Warfare 2, and Garry’s Mod.

He was an avid baseball fan who liked to tour different MLB fields all across the country. With his Dad and Brother, he attended games at Veteran’s Stadium, Citizens Bank Park, Camden Yards, PNC Park, dodgers Stadium, Oakland Coliseum, Petco Park, Angel’s Stadium and the iconic Wrigley Field. Even as a well traveled baseball fan, his favorite team was the Philadelphia Phillies, Bobby especially loved the celebrations that broke out in Hatboro when they won the 2008 World Series. In addition to visiting several different stadiums, Bobby was able to meet personalities from the MLB and many other sports organizations. Thanks to the help of many different groups, events, and in some cases luck, Bobby was able to meet, Jimmy Rollins, Charlie Manuel, Jamie Moyer, Harry Kalis, Ben Revere, Dick Vermiel, Jay Wright, Larry Anderson, Ron Jaworski, Brian Dawkins, Jerry Rice, and Michael Carter Williams.

Even though Bobby felt a deep connection with Hatboro, it did not keep him from seeing the country. Bobby loved the shores of New Jersey, taking vacations with his family to Ocean City, Pierce’s Point and Wildwood. In addition to the East Coast, Bobby loved parts of the West Coast, especially California. One of Bobby’s favorite trips was his Make-A-Wish sponsored trip to Southern California. While the trip spanned from Los Angles to San Diego, Bobby particularly liked Hollywood. The next year he and his family were lucky enough to fly back out west, starting by the bay of San Francisco taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway to LA, and finally ending up at San Diego. Bobby’s favorite part of the trip was staying in a house in the Hollywood Hills where he was a stone’s throw away from the Hollywood sign.

Bobby was connected to Villanova University’s Men’s Basketball team, the Wild Cats by Team IMPACT; an organization which creates connections for children with chronic health issues. During the 2015-2016 was to be his fourth year with the team. Bobby was able to attend many games and came to be the team’s good luck charm because of their 100% winning record when he was at games including big upsets against top ranked opponents.

Bobby was a kind, affectionate, thoughtful young man. He was easy to get along with and as a result had many friends across many schools. He also displayed great generosity when he and his good friend Kevin Stewart began the Hoodies for Heaven campaign. The overwhelmingly successful campaign’s aim was to provide cancer patients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with a comfortable hoodie to help them through their difficult treatment. Thanks to the generous donations Bobby and Kevin were able to deliver countless hoodies to numerous different kids. Their charitable spirit was acknowledged with the 2014 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 321 Witmer Road, Horsham, PA 19044. Relatives and friends are also invited to a second viewing on Friday, November 13, 2015 from 10:00 A.M. and Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. also at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 321 Witmer Road, Horsham, PA 19044. His graveside service will follow at Hatboro Cemetery, 36 Fulmor Avenue, Hatboro, PA 19040.

Religious services will be conducted by Fr. Richard P. Connors, pastor of St. David Church, 316 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090.

Over the years of his illness, Bobby and his family developed deep ties to many organizations and wish to recognize some of them by requesting that donations be made in his memory in lieu of flowers:

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, 111 Presidential Boulevard, Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 www.alexslemonade.org, is a local foundation which distributes a large portion of received donations to research for and awareness of childhood cancers.

The Breathing Room Foundation, 600 West Ave, PO Box 287, Jenkintown, PA 19046 www.breathingroomfoundation.org, is another local foundation which serves families affected by cancer and provides day to day services such as meals, cleaning, and landscaping work in order to allow affected families to focus on their health needs. Bobby’s family continues to volunteer for The Breathing Room Foundation today.

Germantown Academy, 340 Morris Road, Fort Washington, PA 19034 www.germantownacademy.net, has provided Bobby and his brother John with tremendous opportunities and experiences. The Taggart family is hoping to provide financial assistance for children who could benefit from everything that GA has to offer.