10/19/2026
Taggart
After a life filled with love and laughter, on October 15, 2026, Thomas Michael Taggart (“Double T”) passed away at the age of 83. Double T was born on Valentine’s Day in 1943 in (North) Camden, New Jersey. He initially attended Camden Catholic High School, where he excelled in track, particularly the 800 meters. After what he claimed was a mutual parting of ways, Double T transferred to Woodrow Wilson High School, where he continued his success on the track and, eventually, graduated.
On May 10, 1968, Double T married Marie Darlene Schramm from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Chalfont, U.S.A.), effectively removing the man from Camden, if not Camden from the man. The couple ultimately settled in the (East) Torresdale section of Philadelphia, where they raised two sons, Scott and Sean, along with their Airedales. He worked for over thirty (30) years with the City of Philadelphia in the Streets Department, primarily on bridge maintenance. In 2011, Double T and his wife purchased the old City Line Bar at the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Knights Road, rebranding it “Taggart House”, where it continues to serve customers to this day.
Double T and his wife, “Reezie”, had a wonderful relationship. They were inseparable. For their entire married life, they maintained only one car. It was all they needed – where he went, she went. That was the way it was and that was the way it was always going to be. If there was anything in life that Double T mastered, it was being married to Marie. As spouses, parents, grandparents, business partners and best friends, they truly navigated life as a team. Double T was a very loving and involved father. Even when he had to be the “boogeyman” or put on his “gorilla suit”, he always made sure to let his sons know, no matter what, he loved them and would always be there for them. He was true to his word. As he liked to say to them, “I can be your friend, but I will always be your dad first.” When grandchildren came along, it was all fulfilled for Double T. He made a point to get to know his grandchildren as unique individuals, so he could take a special interest in each of them. Whether watching them play sports or simply sitting down talking to them, he beamed with pride. Mostly, he liked making them laugh, especially when it was at his own expense.
Outside of his immediate family, Double T had an expansive crew of family and friends. His brothers and sisters, his nieces and nephews, his old friends from Camden, his neighbors, his co-workers with the City, his son’s friends, the people he met through his bar, Double T loved, cherished and appreciated each and every one of them. Everyone was welcome into his life and, once they were in, they were important to him – and he made sure they knew it. He enjoyed nothing more than seeing the people he cared about gathered together and having fun. If his people were safe and having fun, Double T was happy. Whether in Philadelphia, Wildwood, Ocean City, Maryland or Taggart House, his door was always open. There was no material thing or convenience more valuable to him than being around the people he loved, making memories and telling the stories – many of them true. What he gave to people during his life was genuine and from the heart. The only thing he wanted in return was to see them again. Up until the end, Double T loved and enjoyed all of his people. Up until the end, he knew his people loved and enjoyed him.
Double T is predeceased by his mother (Mary), father (Frank “Hook”) and brother, Frank (Maureen). He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Marie (Schramm), sons Scott (Lisa) and Sean (Erin) and grandchildren Connor, Molly, Sean, Ella and Ali. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Taggart (Carol), and sisters, Pat Baker (Jack) and Donna Wames (Karl).
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sprinkler fitters Local 692 Union Hall (14002 McNaulty Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154) from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026. As Double T would want it, all are welcome!
Arrangements by: Visconto Funeral Home, Inc. www.viscontofuneralhome.com