Michael Tapert Obituary

Michael Joseph Tapert, M.D. CHARLESTON - Michael Joseph Tapert, M.D., 75, of Charleston, SC, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, after a valiant, 30+ year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel. Michael was born August 30, 1950, in Detroit, MI, son of the late Joseph Edward Tapert, D.D.S., and Irene Valentine Tapert. He graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1968, before attending the University of Michigan for his undergraduate and Medical School educations. After graduating from medical school in 1976, Michael relocated to Houston, TX, where he completed his Ophthalmology residency and Fellowship in Cornea/External Disease at Baylor Hospital. In 1980, Michael moved to Charleston, SC, where he worked as a Corneal Transplant Surgeon at MUSC's Storm Eye Institute, before partnering in an ophthalmology subspecialty practice, where he remained until his retirement in 1997. When he wasn't caring for his patients, Michael loved spending his time outdoors hunting, fishing and sailing. He was a member of the Carolina Yacht Club, Bayview Yacht Club (Detroit, MI) and the New York Yacht Club. Michael was the most loving father and friend and will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his daughters, Grace Tapert Young (Spencer) and Bailey Elizabeth Tapert (Yuefan Wang); his grandson, Meyer James Young - who lit up his entire life; his sister, Susan Tapert Griffin D.D.S. (Peter); his former wife and dear friend, Lisa Salmon Bigby; his nephew, Blake Griffin (Kelsey Dubois) and his niece, Julie Griffin Bernardi (Andrew). In addition to his parents, Michael was also preceded in death by his brother, David Edward Tapert. The family would also like to acknowledge their beloved Sandra Amaro and the rest of the amazing staff at Visiting Angels for taking such wonderful care of Michael over the years. Memorial donations can be made in Michael's memory to the National MS Society.