Benjamin C. Tappa, 17, of Whitman, Massachusetts, passed away on February 13, 2026. Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts on January 22, 2009, he was predeceased by his great- grandmother, Faye Spooner; his grandfather, Howard Garnick; and his grandmother, Donna (Lloyd) Garnick.

He was the beloved son of Marc and Cheryl (Garnick) Tappa; cherished brother to Zacory Garnick of New London, CT, and Gabriella Tappa of Whitman; grandson of Charles Tappa of Braintree and Joyce Whelpley of Twin Lake, MI; great-nephew of Hope King of Braintree and nephew of Jason and Stephanie Garnick of Pittsboro, NC; and cousin to Owen and Landen Garnick of Pittsboro, NC.

Ben was a junior at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and worked at Ryan’s Amusements in Hanover. He was an exceptional student, carrying a rigorous schedule that included multiple AP classes and business pathways program. An officer of DECA, he had just qualified at regionals to advance to states.

Ben developed a passion for chess while playing with his older brother and later joined the high school chess team. He had a deep love for golf, spending countless days and nights at Ridder Farm Golf Course, and played on the high school varsity golf team for the past three seasons. During his freshman and sophomore years, he also played on the varsity tennis team. He loved spending time with family and friends on Lake Winnipesaukee, where he enjoyed boating and proudly earned his boating license, a reflection of his growing independence and love for being on the water. In the winter months, he loved skiing, embracing the speed, challenge, and exhilaration of the mountains.

Ben was the kind of person who always looked out for others. His teachers often spoke about how he was the student willing to help classmates understand lessons, offering support and encouragement whenever it was needed. He stood up for those being picked on, including his older brother when they were younger, and treated everyone with kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength. His compassion and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, February 27, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Whitman. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church of Whitman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by check directly to WHRSD DECA, Whitman- Hanson Regional High School, 600 Franklin St., Hanson, MA 02341.